Bob and Lee Woodruff host the star studded event Stand Up For Heroes with the help of Jon Stewart, Train, and Washington’s powerful leaders.
By Shannon O’Reilly
Bob Woodruff takes a photo with Train lead vocalist Partick Monahan and guitarist Jimmy Stafford. Photo by Nick Khazal.
National media personalities, senior military officials, congressional leaders, and other Washington big names minglewith wounded servicemen at the benefit Stand Up For Heroes, hosted by the Bob Woodruff Foundation on June 16th at the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center. The benefit featured live performances by The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart and the 2011 Grammy Award-winning band Train. Big names like Secretary of Defense, Robert M. Gates and Wolf Blitzer, host of CNN’s “The Situation Room,” were in attendance to support America’s injured service members, veterans, and their families.
Proceeds from the evening will help the Bob Woodruff Foundation achieve its goal: to ensure America’s injured service members return to a supportive environment that is ready to help them. The benefit demonstrated a united commitment for our nation’s military families and veterans from all walks of Washington life.
The evening featured a reception and a seated dinner program for the approximate 800 guests in attendance. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed to the audience the need for support to assist our service members. Gates commended the wounded veterans in attendance for their grit and resilience.
On a lighter note, Jon Stewart did a comedic 20-minute set, where he poked fun at audience members. He ended his routine poignantly as he shared his personal experiences when visiting troops. Train closed the show, playing a short set that featured their popular hits, “Drops of Jupiter,” “Calling All Angels,” and “Hey Soul Sister.”
The Bob Woodruff Foundation is a non-profit that has impacted more than one million service members, veterans and their family members. The Foundation provides resources and support in a nationwide effort to successfully reintegrate injured service men and women back into society.
Train performs their popular hits in support of America's injured service members. Photo by Nick Khazal.
Bob and Lee Woodruff talk about the Bob Woodruff Foundation. Photo by Nick Khazal.
Jon Stewart performs a short comedic routine during the seated dinner. Photo by Nick Khazal.
The Honorable Robert M. Gates commends the wounded veterans in attendance. Photo by Nick Khazal.
Michael G. Mullen thanks THe Honorable Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defence for his support for military members. Photo by Nick Khazal.
