USO Presents Toby Keith with a Sculpture Donated by the Fort

Karen Cirrito-Centofanti, USO volunteer, presents country star Toby Keith with a certificate and "God Bless America" statue in recognition of his ongoing efforts to support US Troops

On September 4, 2009 the United Service Organizations (USO) of Fort Drum NY held a fundraiser in honor of country star Toby Keith. During the event Toby Keith was presented with a “God Bless America” sculpture and a plaque of recognition for his ongoing efforts to support US Troops.

The USO is a private, congressionally chartered, nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of the American people to support its volunteered activities. Since before World War II, the USO has been the bridge between the American public and the U.S. military. Through peace and war, the USO has consistently delivered special comfort, a strong morale and recreational services to the U.S.military.

In August this year, USO volunteer, Karen Cirrito-Centofanti, contacted Fort Western Stores, Nebraska’s largest Western wear outfitters located in Lincoln and Nebraska City, NE, requesting a special donation to be presented to Toby Keith at his September 4, 2009, Darien Lake, NY concert. Fort Western Stores was delighted to donate a “God Bless America” sculpture which features a cowboy riding a horse carrying the American Flag.

"The evening with Toby Keith was amazing. Toby was extremely touched and in awe of the sculpture,” said Karen Cirrito-Centofanti, USO volunteer.

”He goes into the red zones of combat to perform for our soldiers and a few times had to take cover in bunkers while rounds of gun shots and bombs rang over his head. I think it is so courageous of him; he has done it now for 7 or 8 years straight, “said Karen Cirrito-Centofanti, USO volunteer, “… so, every year at each one of his concert venues, his fan club members who are known as Toby's Warriors hold fundraisers, mainly for his charity, Ally's House, a home for children with cancer that he founded.”

Back in April, Toby Keith was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in Washington DC by the Military Officers Association of America for his on-going dedication to the USO and related charities.