Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro President, Awarded Top Honor by Admiral Mullen

I was honored to be in attendance a few weeks ago, when Elaine Rogers, President & CEO of USO of Metropolitan Washington – and a dear friend - was presented the Distinguished Public Service Award by Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Pentagon. This is the highest award that can be given to a civilian by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – and definitely well deserved by Elaine, an amazing leader and true game changer.

Elaine was recognized for her incredible dedication to the servicemembers and their families, through tireless efforts to expand and innovate programming at USO-Metro, including significant expansion of USO-Metro’s charter to provide services and support for military families, particularly local families of deployed servicemembers, and family members visiting wounded heroes at the local hospitals. Elaine has worked with USO-Metro for over 35 years, serving as president for the last 34 years. Under Elaine’s leadership, USO-Metro has increased the scope and depth of the programs it provides to active duty military and their families. USO-Metro services have grown to include emergency housing, food assistance, therapeutic and morale boosting programs at area military hospitals, the TicketLine program, nine family service centers and airport lounges – including the flagship USO International Gateway Lounge at BWI Airport, and Operation USO Care Package – a worldwide program managed by USO-Metro that has successfully delivered nearly 2 million care packages to deployed and deploying troops.

Throughout her tenure, Elaine has worked to grow private and corporate annual donations from $100,000 to over $14 million in cash, goods and services. She has successfully developed the volunteer roster from 50 to nearly 5,000. This dedicated volunteer corps, along with meticulous, program-focused management continues to ensure that 93 cents out of every dollar donated to USO-Metro goes directly to programs and services.

For her tireless dedication to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, Elaine has been recognized by the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force with service awards and medals. She has also been honored by the Secretary of Defense with the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and by the Military District of Washington with the Doctor Mary E. Walker Award.

Advice Unlimited has been actively engaged with USO-Metro for over 14 years, serving as USO-Metro’s pro bono public relations firm. I am privileged to be involved with this wonderful organization, and Elaine’s prominent award could not be better deserved! Congratulations, Elaine, on this amazing recognition – and thank you so much for all you do for our troops – and all you inspire so many of us to do to try to keep up with you!