Another honor for WQW Alum Matt Bradford! Matt received the USO Van Cleave Award in recognition of distinguished service presented at the USO Gala and Gold Medal Dinner in NYC, December 9, 2009. Matt and his Mom Debbie attended the event.

The following is an excerpt from a USO Facebook post by General Raymond T. Odierno who received the USO’s Distinguished Service Award at the Gala:

“On December 9th, I had the honor of attending the 48th Annual Armed Forces Gala and Gold Medal Dinner in New York City. The event, which was co-hosted by NBC’s Brian Williams, and retired Army Col. Jack A. Jacobs, a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in Vietnam, raised over $1 million dollars for the USO. The mission of the USO of Metropolitan New York is to positively contribute to the morale and personal welfare of U.S. military personnel and their families who reside in, are stationed in, or are visiting the tri-state area. The organization helps channel the American public’s desire to give back to those who serve the country into programs and services that enrich their lives.The USO’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to the only five living Air Force Medal of Honor recipients, Col. Bernard F. Fisher, Col. James P. Fleming, Col. Joe M. Jackson and Col. Leo K. Thorsness. Col. George E. Day was also honored, but was not present.

I was honored to receive the USO’s Distinguished Service Award, which was also awarded HBO for its outstanding military-themed programming, and Bruce Whitman, president and CEO of FlightSafety International, Inc., and co-chairman of the Medal of Honor Foundation. The USO’s Distinguished Service Award is USO’s premiere award that recognizes exemplary leadership and service to the armed forces.

Five Service Members, representing each branch of service were given the Van Cleave Award in recognition of distinguished service, accomplishments and demonstrated leadership while deployed overseas: First Sergeant James Meltz; Lance Corporal Matthew Bradford; Captain Justin Conelli; Petty Officer Benjamin Foster; and Construction Mechanic First Class William Albano. These service members represent the new great generation of young men and women, who in an era of persistent conflict have raised their right hands and volunteered to bear the heavy burden of war on behalf of a nation. Their bravery and resiliency never cease to amaze me, and they deserve our recognition and thanks.”