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Joining Forces Welcomes the 2013 USO Service Member Honorees

October 25, 2013 at 4:18 PM ET by Col. Rich Morales
Summary: 
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden welcome the 2013 USO Service Member Honorees to the White House.
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden join USO honorees for a group photo

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden join USO honorees for a group photo in the Blue Room of the White House, Oct. 25, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

This afternoon, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden had the pleasure of welcoming the 2013 USO Service Member Honorees to the White House. The First Lady and Dr. Biden spent time congratulating these outstanding heroes for their exceptional service and sacrifice. The honorees are visiting Washington as part of the annual USO Gala.

Held every fall, the USO Gala is a time-honored tradition that honors outstanding servicemen and women with an evening of celebration and gratitude. The gala will pay tribute to the honorees through an award ceremony that recognizes the bravery, loyalty and heroism of an enlisted member from each branch of the military, the USO Volunteer of the Year, and the Spirit of the USO award recipient.

This year’s USO Gala Service Member Honorees include USO Volunteer of the Year Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson, USO Marine of the Year Sgt. Andrew C. Seif, USO Sailor of the Year Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew C. Munden, USO Airman of the Year Staff Sgt. Christopher D. Broyles, USO Coast Guardsman of the Year Petty Officer 3rd Class Samuel A. Peikert, USO Soldier of the Year Sgt. Craig D. Warfle, USO National Guardsman of the Year Staff Sgt. Christopher D. Petersen, and Spirit of the USO awardee Mr. David McIntyre.

First Lady, Michelle Obama and Dr. Biden applaud the honorees for their outstanding accomplishments and their dedication to improving the lives of our military service members, veterans, and families. The USO and these honorees embody some of the best this country has to offer.

For more than 72 years, the USO has been lifting the spirits of America’s service members and their families. The USO provides critical support to our military communities through an array of comprehensive programs that have continued to adapt to meet the changing needs of our military communities. With more than 160 locations worldwide and 1,700 family programs, their broad reach and valuable resources have touched the lives of millions.

Joining Forces is proud to have the support of the USO and we are proud to support their mission, their partners, and most importantly, those who serve our country. 

Colonel Rich Morales is Executive Director of Joining Forces.