General David H. Petraeus and Howard R. Levitt Honored at 47th Annual USO Armed Forces Gala & Gold Medal Dinner

NEW YORK, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The USO of Metropolitan New York will hold its 47th Annual Armed Forces Gala & Gold Medal Dinner at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan on Monday, December 15, at 6:30 p.m.

General David H. Petraeus, the 10th and current Commanding General, U.S. Central Command, and Howard R. Levitt, president and CEO of Tourneau, LLC, will receive the USO’s Distinguished Service Award. This award is given each year to a member of the armed forces and civilian who demonstrate leadership and distinction in their service to our country and support of our troops, and has a rich history with past recipients of this honor, including Bob Hope, General Douglas MacArthur, Hubert Humphrey, Cardinal Cooke, William Randolph Hearst, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Dick Cheney, Richard Grasso, Donald Trump, Jr., Admiral Mike Mullen, and Allan H. “Bud” Selig.

“It’s a privilege for the USO to recognize these individuals of distinction,” states Brian Whiting, president and CEO of the USO of Metropolitan New York. “We’re especially honored to share this evening with supporters of our troops and many of our country’s finest military leaders, along with their families.”

The George Van Cleave Leadership award will also be presented to a service member from each of the five branches of the armed forces.

The Armed Forces Gala & Gold Medal Dinner’s presenting sponsor is Rolex Watch USA. Allen Brill, president and CEO of Rolex, explains, “Rolex is proud to support the USO as an expression of its deep commitment to military excellence, and as a show of sincere appreciation for those serving our country.”

The evening’s entertainers include Roberto Iarussi, one of the generation’s most promising operatic tenors, Miss USO 2008, and the USO Show Troupe. Also in attendance will be award winning actor, Jon Voight, as the Master of Ceremonies.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be recognized amongst such a distinguished group of brave men and women who selflessly and courageously keep our country safe and preserve our freedoms each and every day,” expressed Howard R. Levitt, president and CEO of Tourneau. He added, “In support of our military, Tourneau was one of the first brands to partner with the War Veterans Watchmaker Initiative of the American Watch Guild. Through this important vocational training program, we hope to repay some of the sacrifice and service of returning war veterans by giving them an opportunity to apprentice under our experienced watch technicians in learning the historic craft of watch repair, which is in high demand and well-paying.”

For information on covering this event, please visit www.usonyc.org or contact Thomas Triumph at (212) 695-5590, extension 227.

About the USO of Metropolitan New York: 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. We help channel the American public’s desire to give back to those who serve our country into programs and services that enrich their lives.

SOURCE USO NYC