For listeners of Pundit Review Radio, that name should sound familiar…
USO honors servicemembers for heroism
by Army Sgt. Sara Wood
The United Service Organizations celebrated its 65th anniversary Sept. 28 and honored troops from each branch of the military for heroism.
“We are thankful that we are defended by men and women of character and courage, and we are grateful to all the USO volunteers to work to entertain them,” President George W. Bush said in a video message. “They lift their spirits and express the gratitude and support of the American people.”
The five servicemembers who received USO Servicemember of the Year awards at the gala represent the highest ideals of courage and patriotism, and have demonstrated extraordinary loyalty, bravery and heroism…
Selected from the Army was Leigh Ann Hester, who Matt from Blackfive profiled in a recent edition of Someone You Should Know. According to this story,
Army Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester of the Kentucky National Guard. Sergeant Hester served as a team leader with the 617th Military Police Company at Camp Liberty, Iraq. On March 20, 2005, Sergeant Hester was in one of three escort vehicles providing security for a convoy when the convoy was ambushed by insurgents.
Despite being outnumbered five to one and coming under heavy fire, Sergeant Hester led her soldiers on a counterattack, maneuvering her team into a flanking position and clearing trenches occupied by the insurgents. She is the first woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star for combat action.
To listen to the amazing story of Leigh Ann Hester and her fellow soldiers from Raven 42, here is the link to their edition of Someone You Should Know. Her story is also told in Matt’s GREAT news book, Blog of War: Frontlline Dispatches from Iraq and Afghanistan