USO Casino Night Deals Out Celebrities at Annual Benefit

Washington, DC – On Friday, September 19, the USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro) hosted its 5th Annual Stars & Stripes, Diamonds & Clubs Casino Night at the Sheraton National Hotel.

VIPs in attendance included former Redskins running back John Riggins, Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund, “The Bachelor” star U.S. Navy Lieutenant Andy Baldwin, TV personality Leeann Tweeden, Miss Virginia 2008 Tara Wheeler, World Series of Poker champion Rhett Butler and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Pace.

“My favorite part of the evening was speaking with the veterans,” says Andy Baldwin. “This event epitomizes what the USO is all about. I have personally been a recipient of the USO’s heartfelt support, and it is my pleasure to support this great event.”

“I really enjoyed playing poker with the wounded troops,” says Leeann Tweeden. “There were a lot of good games and some great all-in’s! My dad was in Vietnam, and I personally appreciate the support USO provides for the wounded troops and their families.”

This semi-formal event featured top-notch casino games such as craps, roulette, blackjack, and Texas hold 'em, a spectacular dinner and dessert buffet, and a live performance by famed Elvis impersonator Michael Hoover.

“I played my first game of Blackjack!” says Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund. “The troops give so much to us; this event was about giving back to them.”

The night's big casino winner, wounded warrior Chris Frost, won a trip to Las Vegas courtesy of the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel and AirTran Airways.

All proceeds from this charity event will support the area’s active military and will help deliver vital programs and services to our troops and their families.