USO-Metro Receives First-Ever
Air Force District of Washington (AFDW) Community Partner Award

Fort Myer (VA) — June 13, 2007 — USO-Metro today announced that its president, Elaine B. Rogers, received the organization’s first-ever AFDW Community Partner Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership within USO-Metro and her outstanding efforts in 2007, helping active-duty service members and military families living in the Washington-Baltimore area.

The award was presented by Maj. Gen. Robert Smolen, Commander of the Air Force District of Washington and Command Chief Master Sergeant Lewis Monroe III at the Annual Air Force District of Washington Awards Dinner at Bolling Air Force Base on April 4, 2007.

"This is the first year the AFDW Community Partner of the Year Award has been awarded,” said Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro president. “We’re (USO-Metro) all extremely honored to be the first to receive this important validation. The spirit of this award captures the importance of supporting the local military community, showing them that our nation is behind them. The USO has been committed to this cause for over 65 years and we’re proud to have the AFDW spotlight our dedication.”

"Throughout the year, Elaine has lent all of her energies and efforts to leading USO-Metro, making life more meaningful and prosperous for not only America's airmen, but for all U.S. service members and their families,” said Major General Robert Smolen. “Elaine is a caring and compassionate patriot who is dedicated to serving those who serve. We are proud to recognize her and USO-Metro as the AFDW Community Partner of the Year."

The USO of Metropolitan Washington is supported by a cadre of 2,000 dedicated USO volunteers who provide programs and services for active duty troops and their families at the area’s military hospitals, and six USO family support centers and four USO airport lounges strategically located throughout the Baltimore-Washington area.

During her award acceptance, Rogers noted, "I am truly honored to receive this award on behalf of all of us at USO-Metro - our staff, volunteers, board of directors and supporters. The support we have received, and continue to receive, from all levels and from all branches of the military helps us to accomplish our mission of serving those who serve, and their families, every day. We could not do what we do without the support and encouragement we receive from our active duty military personnel and their families."

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