Lee Soldier among USO honorees

FORT LEE, Va. (Feb. 17, 2011) -A Fort Lee staff sergeant was among the honorees at the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia 2011 Gala Saturday in the Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton.

Staff Sgt. Robert A. Walker from the 108th Quartermaster Company, 530th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 49th QM Group, was recognized for his "selfless dedication to the United States Army, unfailing support to his command and the military families of those serving the nation, (and for) his leadership that inspired youth in the local community," according to a citation read at the gala.

Walker recently returned from Afghanistan where he coordinated air and ground transportation in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and the peacekeeping activities in the Horn of Africa. He facilitated the movement of personnel in and out of the Central Command and Africa Command areas of responsibility, thereby increasing the combat efficiency and effectiveness of the units in the theaters of operation.

"I felt it was an honor for me to be chosen and honored there alongside all of the other servicemembers," said Walker. "I felt honored to be there on behalf of the Army and the 49th Quartermaster Group."

Other honorees at the gala included Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Lisa M. Mueller, a logistics support technician with the U.S. Second Fleet; Air Force Tech. Sgt. Elroy B. Williams, a protocol specialist with the Air Combat Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis; Marine Sgt. Chasitie L. Chambers, a Marine aircraft maintenance material readiness list advocate for the U.S. Marine Forces Command, Norfolk; Petty Officer 2nd Class Jennifer L. Scott, a damage controlman assigned to Coast Guard Training Center, Yorktown; and 2010 Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the Year Award winner Deanne Polanin, representing the U.S. Navy.

Gala attendees also included Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., and other state and local government officials. During his remarks at the event, Webb thanked the USO for its 70 years of supporting military members. He also spoke about the importance of family and thanked family members for their support of deployed troops.

Webb said he understands the hardships of military deployments and personally appreciates the support of the USO as he has a son who recently redeployed and a daughter who is deployed now.

Other activities during the evening gala included a dinner program with entertainment by the Silver Strolling Strings, a silent and live auction and dessert and dancing with musical entertainment by the Right On Band.

USOHRCV thanked this year's title sponsor Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding for its continued dedication to the organization and its annual gala.

It is the mission of the USOHRCV to enhance the quality of life of U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families worldwide and to create a cooperative relationship between U.S. military communities and involved or supporting civilian communities.