WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United has donated $9,411 in ticket sales from the fifth annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day, held at RFK Stadium earlier last month, to the United Service Organizations. The event, which took place June 19 in conjunction with United's home match against the Columbus Crew, recognized local members of the armed forces through various activities prior to and after kick-off, including a pre-game fly-over, Purple Heart ceremony, half-time performance by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team and other honorary displays.
"The USO was a great partner on this event," said Stephen Zack, senior vice president of D.C. United. "We are pleased to be able to donate these funds for their continued efforts in support of our armed forces."
The United Service Organizations (USO) is a congressionally chartered non-profit charitable corporation that was founded in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since its inception, each President of the United States has served as the Honorary Chairman of the USO. Today, the USO is a multi-program, full-service agency, responding to the morale, welfare and recreational needs of the military community.
D.C. United worked closely with the area USO and MWR to create Armed Forces appreciation day. In addition to offering discounted tickets to armed forces members for the June 19 match, United welcomed the presence of military recruitment booths at RFK and included static displays highlighting the contributions of the armed forces in the "Soccer Celebration" pre-game event, which was open to the public.
