Photo By Kristen Wong | Sgt. Maj. Robert Eriksson, base sergeant major, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and his wife...... read more read more
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HONOLULU — More than 350 guests entered the United Services Organization’s second annual gala in style — beneath the steel blades of the Punahou School Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps’ sabers, Sept. 24.
More than $60,000 was raised at the gala, which was held on the grounds of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. The funds will go toward various USO programs which benefit the military.
“When you think in terms of how much goodness this can translate to, that will directly benefit our military ohana, as we lift up their spirits with more morale and service programs throughout the year,” said Eva Laird Smith, the director of USO Hawaii.
The evening kicked off with boat tours to the USS Arizona Memorial, and refreshments for guests mingling among the stone monuments and the main center. As the sun cast a terrific orange and purple hue to the sky upon its descent below the horizon, The Chris Vandercook Jazz Ensemble serenaded civilians and service members dressed in their finest uniforms or aloha attire. To compliment the ensemble were the vocals of USO JustJazz competition first place winner Susie Walsh Eubank, dressed in a sparking blue gown and a flower nestled above her ear.
“It was a terrific event,” said Sgt. Maj. Robert Eriksson, base sergeant major, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. “I think it was a great setting ... hearing all those patriotic songs, to be on those grounds and to know what happened there [made it special].” Even for the guests who didn’t have ties with the military could get a little insight into what the USO does and what the military does. I hope next year they hold it in the same place.”
Eriksson, who attended the gala with his wife, said he enjoyed the meal and the entertainment. Eriksson, who has visited the USO Airport Center in Honolulu, calls the USO volunteers “fantastic.”
“You would never guess they were a volunteer,” Eriksson said. “[The] customer service is always fantastic ... even if they’ve seen you a hundred times they welcome you. They’re happy to see you, they’re happy to serve the military. [It] makes it much nicer when you use the facilities.”
The guests enjoyed a slideshow, highlighting the mission of the USO, and dined on salad, opakapaka and cheesecake.
Thomas Kolstad, the vice president of the USO Pacific Region, flew from Okinawa, Japan, to attend the gala. He thanked various people including sponsors, the council, the service members and their families.
“I want to thank each and everyone of you in uniform tonight, [and] those of you who have been in uniform in the past, for keeping our country free … I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Andy Kaye Walsh, a spouse of a high ranking Naval officer, was chosen as the keynote speaker for the gala. In her speech, Walsh praised several programs within the USO such as the United Through Reading program.
“Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts as I extend my heartfelt and true gratitude to the USO for all that you do for the military ohana and the many, many lives that you touch,” Walsh said.
Walsh also recognized Dolores Hope, entertainer and wife of Bob Hope, both of whom contributed their time to the USO.
“She was titled the first lady of the USO,” Walsh said. “At the ripe, beautiful and elegant age of 102, she bid us farewell. Dolores gave
much to her family, our troops and many charitable organizations like the USO and may she rest in peace.”
Sponsors of the gala were recognized for their contributions, the evening ended with a singing performance by The Liberty Belles,
made up of several former Miss Hawaii pageant winners, and a hula performance from the current Miss Hawaii, Lauren Cheape.
Navy Capt. Jeff James, the commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, called the gala an “opportunity to give thanks to the USO for all they do and to recognize the sacrifices of not only the service member but their families as well.”
“I can think of no more fitting venue to hold such an event than the World War II Valor in the Pacific,” James said.
He said the venue was fitting because the USO originally started during World War II, and the gala was held at the location where
World War II started.
“We hope to carry this tradition that we started last year, with our first gala at the Governor’s Mansion, Washington Place,” Smith said. “We hope to provide even more unique, exciting, and truly memorable honoring events for our Military and their families as a gesture of thanks and honoring, as USO Hawaii moves forward in its organizational history on our islands.”
| Date Taken: | 09.24.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2011 16:53 |
| Story ID: | 77860 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 262 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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