Tempe Army Captain To Be Honored

The USO Riverfest Fireworks Gala committee has announced that 4 wounded Iraqi veterans, 3 men & 1 woman, will be honored at the Sept. 3rd fundraiser. Benefiting the USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro), the event honors all US military personnel & pays tribute to select service men & women recently injured in the line of duty.

Each honoree has a unique story about their service to our country, but collectively they share a commonality of dedication & valor. Attendees of the USO Riverfest Fireworks Gala will have the opportunity to meet these outstanding individuals & hear their stories.

“It is my honor & privilege to recognize the contributions and sacrifices these men & women have made,” said Mr. Robert D. Lindner, Sr., Chairman of United Dairy Farmers Inc & veteran of World War II. “I am proud to serve as the Honorary Chairman of the USO Riverfest Fireworks Gala, as this event not only honors the individual lives of those serving but also raises the critical funds that allow the USO programs to support US military personnel & their families.”

The 2006 USO Riverfest Fireworks Gala Honorees include:

* From London, Ohio - Staff Sergeant John Borders, US Army
* From Tempe, Arizona - Captain Ryan C. Kules, US Army
* From White Oak, Ohio - Lance Corporal Carl J. Schneider, USMC
* From Troy, New York - Private First Class Marissa Strock, US Army

Captain (CPT) Kules was deployed on Feb. 2nd, 2005 as a part of 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division. Ten months into his deployment an IED exploded below his Humvee, killing 2 soldiers in CPT Kules’ vehicle instantly. He was thrown more than 100 feet from the vehicle, severing his right arm & left leg. He also suffered additional internal & external injuries. In addition to being awarded a Purple Heart, CPT Kules was presented with a Bronze Star prior to his injury for exceptionally meritorious conduct & outstanding service to the U.S. CPT Kules continues his recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, & plans to be medically discharged from the US Army & pursue a Masters Degree in Foreign Affairs.

The event will be held at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse on Sept. 3rd beginning at 4 p.m. featuring dinner, entertainment & fireworks. Proceeds from ticket sales & sponsorships benefit the USO of Metropolitan Washington. Tickets can be purchased through usometrodc.org or by contacting Kathy Bechtold at 513-791-8133 ($200/per person).