USO Provides a 'Home Away from Home' for Troops at Thanksgiving

Naval Station Great Lakes opened its doors to over 740 service members and their families this Thanksgiving. Military attending the USO Thanksgiving Feast were treated to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings, catered by Real Urban BBQ of Highland Park. The smiling faces of USO of Illinois volunteers, staff, Board Members, and donors greeted and served the attendees. After the meal, troops and their families gathered to enjoy the amenities of the USO center including free Wi-Fi, movies and video games. On their way out, guests received a special Chicago Blackhawks gift bag.

"In this season of giving, it is important that we remember those who give so much for us," said Alison Ruble, President and CEO of USO of Illinois. "Our annual USO Thanksgiving Feast at Naval Station Great Lakes is just one example of how we can give back. We do it with the love and support of the community, volunteers and donors that wish to express their gratitude for the service and sacrifices of our U.S Armed Forces."

The Thanksgiving Feast is an annual program provided by the USO of Illinois. The feast is just one of the many programs that offers a 'Home Away From Home' for military service members and their families over the holidays.

The USO of Illinois would like to thank all of those who helped to make this festive Thanksgiving meal possible including our donors, staff, Board Members, volunteers, and the Richard A. Perritt Charitable Foundation.

On October 25, the USO of Illinois hosted its annual Star-Spangled Salute Gala at Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom. Over 700 guests attended this spectacular night to honor and support those who bravely serve our nation. The USO of Illinois Star-Spangled Salute Gala is widely known as Chicago's premier patriotic gala focused on military tradition and pageantry. The event raised approximately $1 million that will go to support USO of Illinois programs and services that are dedicated to supporting the lives of our nation's military.

Honorees of the night included the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) who received the 'USO Salute to Leadership Award'. The CATA was 

John Webb and Colin Wickstrom of the  CATA with the 'USO Salute to Leadership Award'.

honored for their work with the USO BBQ for the Troops Initiative through which they raised $125,000 over the past two years to support USO of Illinois' programs. The USO of Illinois is proud to continue this partnership with the CATA in 2015.

Charles "Peanut" Tillman of the Chicago Bears was awarded the 'USO Angel Harvey Heart of a Patriot Award' for his exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community. Tillman was born in Chicago, Illinois, but spent the majority of his youth traveling the world with his family and his father, Donald Tillman Jr., who was a sergeant in the United States Army. This past summer, Tillman traveled to San Diego, California to be part of the USO of Illinois's program: Pro Tour 2014 - USO of Illinois to USO San Diego. Charles Tillman has dedicated his life to giving back to the military community in which he was raised.

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Tillman, Jr. accepting the 'USO Angel Harvey Heart of a Patriot Award' on behalf of their son.

Major General Ray Smith, U.S. Marines (Ret), and Sergeant Gary B. Beikirch, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, were a special highlight at the Gala and graciously served as the as the Military Master of Ceremonies and Chaplain for the Opening Ceremony, respectively. The 2014 USO Star-Spangled Salute Gala's Opening Ceremony dazzled attendees once again thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team's spectacular drill performance.  

U.S. Coast Guard Marine Silent Drill Team perform during the opening ceremony.

Silent auction donations from Celebrity Cruise, Ride 2 Recovery, the Chicago Blackhawks, IC Bellagio and many more ensured record-breaking bids generating revenue to help support USO of Illinois Programs for Illinois service members and their families.

The USO of Illinois would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of those who attended the 2014 USO Star-Spangled Salute Gala, as well as our donors and volunteers who make this event possible ever year.

Board Member, Joan Stade, greets local military