[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 149 (Thursday, October 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF 2011 USO GALA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the 2011 United Service Organizations (USO) Gala, as it honors the 
Spirit of the USO Award Recipient, Spirit of Hope Award Recipient, 
heroes from the U.S. Armed Forces, and the volunteers who support them 
around the world.
  The United Service Organizations, in its 70th year of existence, is a 
non-profit organization which endeavors to offer comfort and hope to 
the United States armed forces, both at home and abroad. With more than 
150 centers worldwide, the USO offers support to millions of Americans.
  When it began during World War II, the USO provided support to the 
troops in a number of different ways, most famously through the 
entertainment of the troops while away from home. Though initially 
dissolved in 1947, it was revived during the Korean War and has been an 
active organization ever since. ``Bringing a touch of home to our 
troops,'' the USO continues to do good, boosting the morale of our 
troops at home and abroad, thanks to donations and volunteers.
  The legacy of the USO is continuous and expansive. For current 
service members at home and abroad, veterans and for the families of 
the fallen, the USO provides millions of men and women with care. Its 
various programs provide a wide range of services for service members, 
including games, care packages, the ``mobile USO,'' free phone cards 
and a program which enables those stationed abroad to record a DVD of 
themselves for their family members. In addition to all of this, the 
USO continues its celebrity tours, providing entertainment to the 
troops.
  The 2011 USO Gala, ``70 Years Young,'' will feature entertainers from 
USO celebrity entertainment tours, and recognize a special volunteer 
and honorees from each branch of the armed force. This year's Service 
Member's of the Year include Corporal David J. Bixler of the U.S. Army; 
Sergeant Lucas J. Chaffins of the U.S. Marine Corps, Senior Airman 
James A. Barynard of the U.S. Airforce, Aviation Survival Technician 
Christopher R. Austin of the U.S. Coast Guard, and Explosive Ordnance 
Disposal Technician Chad R. Regelin of the U.S. Navy.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of the USO does 
for the men and women who risk so much for us.

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