It’s been a busy few weeks for USO’s around the world as they celebrate our Troops with galas. USO of Metropolitan Washington, USO Hawaii, USO Guam, and USO Korea have all put on wonderful events in April. We’d like to share a few of the highlights!
On April 8, USO Korea hosted their 39th Annual USO Six Star Salute, a salute to the honorable service and sacrifices of military members securing freedom on the Korean peninsula. Special guests included Washington State Senator Paull Shin; LTG Joseph F. Fil, Jr; Oh, Sae Chang, Mayor of Dongducheon City; Joseph T. McCabe, president of BAE Systems; and the USO Council of Korea.
The Six Star Salute began in 1970 when a group of Korean civic leaders chose to express their country’s gratitude by bestowing the honorary rank of “Six Star” to exemplary enlisted personnel serving throughout the Republic of Korea. The tradition continues and this year the USO will honor 39 Americans, 39 Koreans, one Filipino and one Thai. These service members are selected by their commanders for outstanding duty performance, impeccable personal conduct, advancements in education and contributions to the community.
This year, the eighty junior enlisted personnel from the United Nations Command, U.S. Forces Korea, and Republic of Korea armed services were honored and for two days were regarded as VIPs in the City of Seoul; a highlight was the luncheon hosted by the Mayor of Seoul on April 9. Each honoree received the USO Six Star Medal and also toured the Korean War Memorial, Kyungbuk Palace, the National Assembly of Korea . Four honorees also received The USO Scholarship Award, an educational grant that will enable them to continue their educational endeavors.
Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.