2008 Salute to Freedom Gala
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Prestonwood Country Club,
Cary, NC
Celebration
SponsorshipTicketingEntertainment2007 Heroes2007 Benefactors2007 Photos
This black tie event is held to honor one service member from each
branch of the Armed Forces stationed in North Carolina. The 2008 Salute to Freedom Gala
will begin with a VIP/Honoree reception, an open cocktail reception, followed by dinner, an awards ceremony and
classic USO entertainment.
About the USO of North Carolina
For over 66 years the men, women and families of the United States Armed Forces have trusted the USO of North Carolina to provide for their wellbeing in both peacetime and in times of war. The USO of North Carolina started in Jacksonville providing for the Marines and Sailors of Camp Lejeune and that center is the oldest, continuously operated USO in the world. In 2004 the USO was invited to expand to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport by the RDU Airport Authority. The gift of 1,500 square feet and a $100,000 renovation project given by the Airport Authority, produced a warm and welcoming USO center for the traveling military members and their families. The USO at RDU has been an overwhelming success, over 200 volunteers and 2 paid staff members have provided free amenities, a welcoming smile and caring ear to over 88,000 of one our nation's most valued treasures - the members of our Armed Forces and their families.
What Your Support Means to the Troops
By being a sponsor of the 2008 Salute to Freedom Gala, you not only get to meet military dignitaries and six heroes from the major bases in North Carolina in the elegant, first class setting of Prestonwood Country Club, enjoying a superb dinner and classic USO entertainment. You are helping to support the operation of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport Center. It is an every day event that a young Marine walks through our door with nothing more than his uniforms wondering how he's going to get to Camp Lejeune. Fright sets in when he learns that he is over two hours away, he's hungry and doesn't have a dime to his name. In steps the USO volunteer who calms his fears, feeds him, invites him to relax in one of the leather recliners or distracts his anxiety by playing one of the electronic games while they arrange for him a free ride to Camp Lejeune. This young Marine will never forget that USO volunteer. Here is what just a few of our other guests (and parents) had to say about the USO at RDU and our volunteers:
What you guys at the USO at Raleigh, NC airport is so great. I've been stuck at the airport for over
6 hrs and if it wasn't for the USO I would go crazy. The facilities you have here are awesome and the
staff is very friendly. I like the homy feel of it and the homy foods you serve. This place makes it
much easier to stay at an airport. I want to say thank you very much. -- Pvt Gary Kremer USMC
Thank you so much for making me feel at home here. There is such a warm feeling when you come through the door
with the sweetest people to welcome you. Thanks again. -- AIC Lyons - Pope AFB
I am so happy the USO is around for my family, and now my son who is now going into the Navy.
Today was his first solo flight to Texas. Thank you for your love and hospitality. -- Marvin Rosin and family of Aaron Rosin
The service that you provide for my brothers-in-arms is nothing short of spectacular. You are heroes. -- Sgt. Eric Hueria, USMC Semper Fi
As usual the USO manages to be a beacon of light and a place of respite for the weary traveling servicemen and women.
I am deeply grateful for your service here at RDU and for making me feel right at home. -- Chaplain Louis Fox
Thank you and Merry Christmas. It had been a very early Christmas and our children were very sad about not being at home. They loved the toys and the
Christmas Presents. This was a nice and warm start to our holiday. -- Tom and Liz Marzano
(in children's handwriting) Thank you and Merry Christmas from Lilly and Abby
How You Can Help Support the Troops
By becoming a benefactor of the 2008 Salute to Freedom Gala, you will insure that the work of the
USO will continue at the RDU Center. The more support we receive from you, the more support we can give to them. The RDU
Center takes pride in efficiently and frugally managing our donations. All monies stay in our state to support our military
troops and their families.
Join us for this amazing event to honor the finest of America's fighting men and women. Please
contact the Salute to Freedom Gala committee today to secure your place as a benefactor for the 2008 Salute to Freedom Gala.
The USO of NC, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Fed ID 56-0532315
PO Box 91443, Raleigh, NC 27675
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