Cincinnati Commemorates Sept. 11 with USO Tribute Event to Thank Troops

It’s a day no American will ever forget; Sept. 11, 2001. While it marks the anniversary of a terrible tragedy, it also serves as a reminder that our freedoms must be defended.

This Sept. 11, the Cincinnati USO fundraising committee invites you to commemorate the day by honoring members of our military for their service and sacrifice. The USO Tribute Cincinnati event includes a patriotic tribute and an opportunity to personally thank recently injured military heroes and veterans.

Respected local veterans Robert Lindner, one of the founders of United Dairy Farmers Inc., and Richard Farmer, founder and chairman of the board at Cintas Corporation, will serve as honorary veterans at the event. Farmer served in the U.S. Marine Corps and Lindner served in the US Army Air Corp in Saipan and Guam.

“We are humbled by the sacrifices members of our military make for our freedom,” said Karen Cassidy, chair of the Cincinnati USO fundraising committee. “Our event will give attendees the opportunity to personally thank our troops, past and present, for their service, all while raising money for an important cause.”

Proceeds from the event go to USO of Metropolitan Washington for programs benefiting wounded warriors and their supportive families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center.

New Name, Date, Location; Same Great Event
The USO Tribute Cincinnati, formerly the USO Riverfest Fireworks Gala, continues to serve as an opportunity to honor military heroes, and recognize the outstanding contributions Cincinnati has made in raising more than $2.3 million for the USO Metro Washington programs over the past seven years.

This year’s USO Tribute Cincinnati will be held on Saturday, September 11, at the Cintas Center. With a new date and venue, the USO Tribute Cincinnati promises to be an exciting evening that includes entertainment and dinner. Complimentary valet parking will be available.

The Gregory family and the Montgomery Inn remain an important part of the event; this year guests will enjoy delicious appetizers courtesy Montgomery Inn.

Members of the community are encouraged to buy a ticket for a veteran, who will be honored in a special way at the event.

For more information, follow us on Twitter @USOTributeCincy or find us on Facebook.

Chip Heidt Returns Home From Afghanistan

Chip Heidt, son of committee member Julie Heidt, returns from Afghanistan today on a two-week leave. Family and supporters gathered to greet him today at Cincinnati International Airport, just outside of security, at 1:30 p.m. Chip has been documenting his experiences with his platoon on the Web site www.chipgoestoafghanistan.com.

Portrait of 2007 USO Gala honoree to hang in Smithsonian

A life-sized painting of retired Army Sgt. Richard Yarosh went on display today at the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. The portrait, by artist Matthew Mitchell, is a finalist in the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition. Yarosh was an honoree at the 2007 USO Gala. Read more about Yarosh's story and the inspiring portrait here.

Thanks for another great event

Thanks to everyone who made this year's USO Riverfest Gala a success. We had an amazing time meeting all the wonderful people who share our passion for giving back to our troops. The pictures below represent just a few of the special memories from the 2009 event.

2009 USO Riverfest Gala

2009 Honoree In the News

SSG Kurtis Dellicker, an honoree at the 2009 USO Riverfest Gala, tells his story to the Cincinnati Enquirer: "Afghan war hits home"

82nd Airborne All American Chorus Gives Special Performance

Check out this video of an amazing performance by the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus in Cincinnati to honor our wounded warriors this weekend. It's just a small taste of the show tonight at the 2009 USO Riverfest Gala.

Getting to Know Our Honorees at the Reds Hall of Fame

We got to spend some time with our 2009 honorees during a visit to the Reds Hall of Fame.

Cincinnati Welcomes 2009 Honorees

The 2009 USO Riverfest Gala Honorees arrived at Lunken Airport on Friday, Sept. 4. They received a warm welcome from Miss America, the UC Marching Band and the committee.

Miss America Talks About USO Riverfest Gala on Fox19

Check out Miss America 2009 Katie Stam's interview with Sheila Gray today on Fox19 Morning News.

General Chiarelli to Attend USO Riverfest Gala

The 2009 USO RIverfest Gala Committee is honored to announce that the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, General Peter W. Chiarelli, will be among the honored guests attending this year's event. He is a champion of improving soldier care, and has spearheaded innovative private-public partnerships for health promotion and risk reduction in the ranks and for families. While visiting Cincinnati, he will also swear in new soldiers at Sawyer point during Riverfest and attend the annual Rubber Duck Regatta.

About General Peter W. Chiarelli
General Chiarelli previously served as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense and throughout his career he has served in Army units in the United States, Germany and Belgium. He has commanded at every level from platoon to corps.

A Seattle, Washington native, General Chiarelli is a Distinguished Military Graduate of Seattle University, and hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the school. He also earned a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Washington, and a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategy from Salve Regina University.