Congressmen Host 2008 Soldiers' Angels Benefit Gala
December 22, 2008 by John Allen · Leave a Comment
Congressmen Steny Hoyer and Roy Blunt hosted the 2008 Soldiers’ Angels Benefit Gala at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on November 6, 2008. Al Hunt of Bloomberg News emceed, country music star Ricky Lee provided entertainment, and Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was the keynote speaker.
The event was the first of its kind for Soldiers’ Angels, and grew out of a bipartisan offer by Representative Hoyer, House Majority Leader, and Representative Blunt House Republican Whip, to host a fundraiser for Soldiers’ Angels after they heard about the organization’s many efforts in support of the troops. Among the over 300 people in attendance were a number of wounded soldiers and their spouses, as well as milbloggers, Soldiers’ Angels sponsors, supporters and business partners, and Angels themselves.
In their speeches, all the headliners focused on the importance of caring for America’s returning troops and the role civilians play in supporting the military. Congressman Hoyer especially emphasized what he called the most powerful word in the English language–"we," pointing out that when the military goes to war, America goes to war too; America should never be separated from the men and women who serve her, and must ensure they are properly welcomed home.
Admiral Mullen’s speech addressed the improvements in and continuing challenge of providing proper care for the wounded, a reflection of November’s designation by the Department of Defense as "Warrior Care Month." He also saluted the efforts of Soldiers’ Angels to support all service members, with particular focus on the needs of those who have been wounded in battle. "The truth, as of now, is that our [governmental] support institutions have not yet met the demands of that struggle," he acknowledged.
"Many times, it is communities and grass-roots organizations like yours…which in so many thoughtful and heroic ways, fills voids no institution could enter." Admiral Mullen’s concern for the wounded was also seen in the special effort he made to spend time with each each wounded service member in attendance, many of whom he gave a "challenge coin," a mark of appreciation for exceptional military service. In addition, he took the time to record a video of verbal support for the troops to be broadcast on Moment of Thanks.
The fundraising aspect of the evening was highlighted by H.L. Devore, CEO of Prudent Publishing, as Soldiers’ Angels President Patti Patton-Bader announced the greeting card company’s pledge of $10,000 to Project Valour-IT, which supplies voice-controlled laptops and other technology to support the rehabilitation of wounded veterans.
Soldiers’ Angels gratefully accepted the generous support of a number of sponsors for the evening, including Edward Jones Inc., Exxon-Mobil, Fundraising Strategies, General Electric, HSP LLC, Monsanto, Peabody Energy, T-Mobile, Time Warner, Tri-West, Wal-Mart, and Walt Disney Company.
