Tag Archives: USO Gala

P&G Gives Makeovers to Military Honorees Before USO Gala

Posted on November 4, 2012 by | Leave a comment
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Jessica Perkins, wife of USO Soldier of the Year Staff Sgt. Jacob Perkins, gets her hair done at the P&G Beauty and Grooming Salon at the Washington Hilton before Friday’s USO Gala. USO photos by Joseph Andrew Lee

Every year, the USO selects a service member from each branch and a military volunteer to honor at its gala in Washington, D.C. — a star-studded event with more than 1,000 attendees, including the nation’s top military brass.

With a roomful of guests to impress, they — and their families — needed to look good. That’s where the P&G Beauty and Grooming Salon stepped in to help.

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Marianne Gaylor, wife of USO Sailor of the Year Greg Gaylor, gets her hair done Friday at the P&G Beauty and Grooming Salon.

One of the perks of having great partners like P&G is that they bring their own party supplies. Cover Girl cosmetics, Gillette razors and a whole line of hair and beauty products filled a private space just steps from the Washington Hilton’s ballroom on Friday afternoon. P&G-provided stylists spent the afternoon making the USO’s honorees — and a few other special military invitees — look sharp for the big event.

“I’ve never been shaved before,” said Army Master Sgt. Mike Martinez (Ret.). “That said, it was the best shave I’ve ever had. It’s nice to see P&G and the USO coming through for us, to help my wife and I get prepared for this.”

Five fully stocked stations for hair, make-up and shaving were in action for six hours on Friday to help spouses and family members feel comfortable and confident for their big night. More than 15 makeovers were performed by the end of the day.

—By Joseph Andrew Lee, USO Staff Writer

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USO Airman of the Year Staff Sgt. Christopher Beversdorf gets a shave before Friday’s USO Gala at the P&G Beauty and Grooming Salon.

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Posted in Donations, Support, Troops

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USO Europe Service Salute

Posted on October 27, 2011 by | 3 Comments

The USO hosted their 19th Annual USO Europe Service Salute this month on Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Twelve outstanding junior enlisted military personnel, representing the U.S. and German armed forces, were recognized for their outstanding military and community achievements. Senior American and German military, diplomatic, political and corporate leaders were present at the event to salute to the “best of the best.”

The USO Europe Honorees. Photo by Jamie Goloyugo

The USO Europe Service Salute also celebrates and reinforces the strong partnership between the armed forces of the United States and Germany. Herr Professor Dr. Hans-Jürgen Seimetz represented the event’s German patron, Rheinland Pfalz Minister President Kurt Beck. The event’s U.S. patron, Ambassador to Germany Philip D. Murphy, was represented by Frankfurt Consul General Edward A. Alford. General Mark Welsh, Commander Africa Command and Generalleutnant Rainer Korff, Kommandierender General Multinationales Korps Nord-Ost were also participants in the awards ceremony.

The EUCOM Color Guard. Photo by Jamie Goloyugo

The evening featured a reception followed by dinner and culminated in a formal awards presentation to recognize the twelve distinguished honorees. The U.S. Air Force’s Tops In Blue provided entertainment.

The 19th Annual USO Europe Service Salute was made possible through the generous sponsorship of numerous U.S. and German companies. Platinum Sponsors include: TKS Telepost Kabel-Service Kaiserslautern GmbH & Co. KG, United Airlines and the Wounded Warrior Project. Diamond Sponsors include Deutsche Lufthansa AG, P&A GmbH, P & G and Stars & Stripes.

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Posted in Europe, Recognition

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USO | P&G Beauty and Grooming Lounge

Posted on October 7, 2011 by | 1 Comment

P&G provided all the hair and beauty products used for the makeovers

When you find out the military man in your life is being honored by the USO at their annual gala, you’re certainly thrilled and proud. But hobnobbing with Washingtonian politicos and top military officials in a glittering ballroom can be a daunting idea for the average woman! Guest Lori Johnson said, “I’ve been to a couple military formals, but nothing on this scale. It’s a little overwhelming… but exciting!” Luckily the USO and P&G were there to help make things as fun and relaxing as possible!

USO Soldier of the Year Corporal Bixler gets his head shaved

The day of the event, the spouses, mothers, and the honorees themselves were invited to the P&G Beauty and Grooming Lounge for some well-deserved pampering! There were five fully stocked stations for hair, make-up and shaving to take advantage of to help the families feel as confident as possible for their big night. “I’m ready for my transformation!” exclaimed military mom Marilyn Torrens.

Jill's hair was made perfect for her husband's special night

More than fifteen makeovers wear done by the end of the day, with all the families ready to celebrate and enjoy the upcoming festivities. Read all about the event at USO.org – Vyque Elessar, USO Director of New Media

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Posted in Families, Troops

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“Military Wives (And Moms) Are Heroes, Too”

Posted on October 14, 2010 by | 1 Comment

 

Military wife and mom Kelly Walker gets ready for the gala. (Photo by Kelly Wallace)

 

There was a special pre-party event that occurred before the 2010 USO Gala this year: P&G (our newest Worldwide Strategic Partner) set up a beauty suite for the wives of the Service Member Honorees of the Year!

iVillage’s Kelly Wallace was there to capture the moment, and spent time with Kelly Walker, the wife of Sgt. Eric Walker, the USO’s Marine of the Year.  “I very much enjoyed it,” Walker, a mother or two, told Wallace after her beauty sessions. “I don’t get pampering, I guess, very much, so it was quite enjoyable to have someone do my hair and my makeup.”

But, as Wallace points out, none of these women do what they do for attention or awards.  Walker concluded, “I’m just very proud of (my husband) and what he does, and so I’m honored for what I get to do for him.”

We’re proud of all of these military wives and moms (and their Service Member Honoree spouses!) and hope you’ll take a minute to watch the video below, then say “Thank You” to the military wife or mom in your life…

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Posted in Families, Recognition, Troops

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“A Tribute to Military Families” and United Through Reading

Posted on October 13, 2010 by | Leave a comment

Twelve-year old actress Madison Pettis stresses the importance of United Through Reading on today’s military families at the 2010 USO Gala on October 7, 2010. The youngest entertainer to take part in a USO tour, Pettis’ brother is a member of the U.S. Army and served in Iraq in 2008 and 2009. (USO photo by Bill Auth)

We can hardly believe it’s been almost a week since the 2010 USO Gala, and we still have many great stories to share with you!  One of the highlights of the evening was getting to meet the Hofman family.  Dad is deployed, but mom and the kids (all four of them!) are staying connected with him via United Through Reading’s Military Program.

We shared their story at the Gala and we want to share it with you now.  A big thank you goes out to our new USO Kandahar center, where CH (CPT) Peter T. Hofman’s portion was filmed.  And a HUGE thank you goes out to the entire Hofman family, who let us into their home and their lives for a slice of what it’s like when a loved one is deployed.  Enjoy!

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Posted in Families, Programs, Southwest Asia

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USO Gala 2010 Live Blog

Posted on October 7, 2010 by | 4 Comments

16:47 pm We just saw Sons on Anarchy’s Kim Coates walk through the lobby! Can’t wait to see all of the other celebs throughout the evening…

17:05 pm – Madison Pettis is on stage rehearsing her remarks and she’s talking about her brother, who’s in the Army.  Be sure to check out the video of their reunion on The Bonnie Hunt Show last year.

17:36 – This year’s Volunteer of the Year is Herb Schmeling, who regularly gives 60-80 hours a month to USO Puget Sound Area.  You can read his story here!

17:45 – The Service Member of the Year Award recipients are getting their light and sound check finished up.  We’ll tell you more about each honoree later, but one of the recipients was deployed since the nomination and his wife will be accepting on his behalf.  Way to go!

18:10 – We’ve created a special message wall just for tonight’s event.  You can leave a message of support for troops and their families by clicking here!

18:18 – Miss USA and Miss Teen USA have both arrived.  They probably have the best jewelry of the night (love the crowns!).

The ballroom at the Marriott Wardman Park is almost ready to welcome troops and their families for USO Gala 2010! (USO photo by Em Hall)

18: 58 – We just met the amazing Hofman family: Dad is deployed and Mom and the four kids are staying in touch with United Through Reading’s Military Program.  They’ll be honored tonight in a special video – be sure to join us for the Military.com live stream at 7:30pm!

19:38 – The live stream will be starting in just a few moments!

19:47 - Just finished the presentation of Colors by the Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard.  Now “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band is performing a rousing medley of each branches’ theme songs!

The Color Guard ascends the main stage at the USO Gala. This year's theme is "A Salute to Military Families." (USO photo by Joe Lee)

19:53 – Bill Engvall just took the stage!  Get ready for some laughs…

20:01 – USO President Sloan Gibson is at the podium thanking our great partners at United Through Reading, TAPS, National Military Family Foundation, The Moyer Foundation, Operation Homefront, United States Olympic Committee, Ride 2 Recovery.

20:09 – Past and present servicemen and women are asked to stand and be recognized, as are all of their family members.  Wounded warriors also stand to be recognized, and they receive a standing ovation!

20:17 – Madison Pettis is taking the stage to introduce our special video on United Through Reading – are you watching along with us on the live stream?

20:30 – Admiral Mullen is at the podium to begin the recognition of the Service Members of the Year.  We’re proud to honor Sergeant Zachary Caleb Dispennette, USA; Sergeant Eric B. Walker, USMC; Petty Officer Kenton J. Stacy, USN; Staff Sergeant Gino P. Kahaunaele, USAF (who is currently deployed, so his award is being presented to his mother, Kimberly Watkins), and Petty Officer Robert T. Emley, USCG.

21:00 – Trisha Yearwood is singing “How Do I Live Without You” right now and there’s not a dry eye in the house…

21:05 – Now she’s singing “We Shall Be Free,” a hit song by her husband, Garth Brooks!

21:20 – It’s time for dinner here at the gala, so take a few minutes to view our first photo album of the night!

21:50 – …and we’re back!  Trevor Romain is sharing a special message with the audience.  He travels around the world helping military kids with tough topics like deployment and loss of a loved one.  And his newest project with us will be specifically for children of wounded warriors – more details coming soon!

22:18 – Chairman of the USO’s Board of Governors Ed Reilly is getting ready to present Volunteer of the Year Herb Schmeling.

22:26 – Bill Engvall has the audience cracking up with a great story about the time he flew in a Thunderbird out of Nellis AFB.  Trust us, he was a little out of his element – ha!

22:34 – President and CEO of TriWest Healthcare Alliance David McIntyre is getting ready to present our Spirit of the USO award to Admiral Thad Allen!

22:43 – It’s all over and what a tremendous event it was!  Thanks for following along with us online and we invite you to visit USO.org for more photos and fun tomorrow morning…

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Posted in Celebrity Entertainment, Troops

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