USO of Indiana to Host Five Star Gala 

Media Contact:  Charles Ridings
USO of Indiana
(317) 991-1073
[email protected]
www.usoindiana.org

USO of Indiana to Host Five Star Gala 
James M. Brown to be Honored with USO of Indiana Five Star Medal

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The USO of Indiana is hosting its fifth annual Five Star Gala and Silent Auction, presented by Delta Air Lines, on August 25, 2018 at the Westin in Indianapolis.  The Director of Indiana Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs, James M. Brown, will be honored as the 2018 Five Star Medal Recipient.

The Five Star Gala is an opportunity to recognize and honor members of the Armed Services in addition to our special honoree, James M. Brown. After nearly 50 years of military service, he finished his military career in 2013, retiring from the Indiana National Guard where he served as the State's Command Sergeant Major.

Currently, James Brown is the Director of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.  He has served with high distinction as a Parachute Infantryman and a Long-Range Surveillance Operator for over 40 years in the United States Army and Indiana National Guard. He served in major combat zones from Vietnam to the current Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. He is highly decorated, receiving such honors as the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart Medal with oak leaf cluster, and Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for valor in combat with an additional two bronze oak leaf clusters. He is married to his wife, Cheryl, and together have six children and nine grandchildren.

Gala details

Cocktail hour: 5:30 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm
Program: 8:00 -10:00 pm
Dancing with Bluewater Kings Band: 10:00 -11:00 pm
                Dan Spehler of Fox 59 will emcee.

“The Five Star Gala is not only our premier event recognizing our great military members here in the state, but is also our largest fundraiser,” said Charles Ridings, Executive Director for the USO of Indiana.  “Proceeds from the event will go toward our five Indiana hospitality centers and fund our many programs that strengthen our military members and keep them connected to the people and places that they love,” he added.

“Delta Air Lines is proud to be a Five Star Sponsor of the USO of Indiana’s Five Star Gala and Silent Auction,” said Tad Hutcheson, Vice President of Community Engagement at Delta.  “By supporting the USO we are supporting the men and women who serve and have served our country, and we are honored to do so.”

The USO of Indiana was founded in 1941.  Nearly 125,000 members and their families use our Indiana centers or participate in our programs each year.  All of this is made possible by the generous donations from the American people, our corporate sponsors and the support of our volunteers.

For additional information, tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the USO of Indiana Corporate Office at 317-991-1073 or visit the USO of Indiana website at www.usoindiana.org.

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