It has been quite a week here with two black tie events. Last night we enjoyed the USO Gala and Tuesday was the Keeper of the Flame award dinner. The USO Gala was a tremendous event celebrating a wonderful organization, the people who make it great and honoring exceptional enlisted members from each of the services. We also had a chance to socialize with plenty of our military's top leaders, but a special (heh) bit for me was talking with LTG John Mulholland, Commander USASOC. He also commanded 1st Bn, 1st Special Forces Group in Okinawa my old unit a few years after I had left. That is the Order of St. Philip of Neri around his neck, given for exceptional service to the SF community. He has certainly earned it. Miss USA was there and I think my girl stands her own beautifully next to her. They are both California girls and got along swimmingly. We also got to talk to someone Samantha has known since the 90's, former National Security Adviser. and co-recipeint of the Spirit of the USO award with his wife Diane, Gen. James Jones (USMC ret.) The highlight was the awards given to some very deserving service members for the Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine and Coast Guardsman of the Year. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad Regelin couldn't attend since he was deployed to Afghanistan, yet again. There was an audible 'Awwwww" from the audience when his Mom & Dad came out to accept the award for him, quite a touching moment. I don't think I need to explain how much the USO has meant to so many of us on so many lonely days and nights all over the world. They have been bringing help and a slice of home to military folks for 70 years and it was a pleasure to celebrate that with them.
Read the complete post at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Blackfive/~3/BxTzgIpormw/uso-gala.html
Posted
Oct 06 2011, 04:36 PM
by
BLACKFIVE