Universal Studios And Military Connection Treat Iraq Star Foundation Wounded Warriors To Vip Treat

Sept. 25, 2009 - PRLog -- Los Angeles, CA – As the wounded warriors of Iraq and Afghanistan arrive in Los Angeles for the Iraq Star Foundation, ‘A Night of Honour’ fundraising gala, they find themselves being treated like the celebrities who are honoring them. The Military Connection and Universal Studios have invited the arriving troops and their caregivers to enjoy the day at Universal Studios Theme Park before their big night of honor.

The Iraq war has left many troops wounded beyond what many could imagine. These young men & women come home in great need of medical care and reconstructive surgery beyond what is available at many of our VA hospitals and that’s where Iraq Star comes in. Under the caring guidance of founder Maggie Lockridge, R.N., and over 200 caring specialists across the United States, these young men and women have hope at restoring their lives to a state of normalcy. Adding the V.I.P. treatment at the Universal Studios theme park visit prior to their night of celebrations will seem anything but normal to these troops since their return home.

As special guests being celebrated at this year’s red, white and blue celebrity studded fundraising event at the Universal Hilton, October 4th, on behalf of the Iraq Star Foundation, the service men and women will enjoy Dr. Phil McGraw as acting host, a performance by Dennis Miller, both live and silent auctions that will feature a variety of priceless items, including tickets to the American Idol finale, an exquisite custom made ‘Glam-o-flage’ gown designed by Amy Michelson and a custom made camouflage motorcycle created by Orange County Chopper worth more than $100,000. Soldiers who have benefited from Iraq Star programs will share their stories and the evening’s special honoree will be CSI: NY star Gary Sinise, who will be recognized for all he has done to honor U.S. service men and women.  Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band travel into war zones to entertain the troops for the USO, and as an ambassador for Operation Iraqi Children, a grass-roots program he co-founded in 2004, he has provided concerned Americans a way to reach out to vulnerable children in need, in war-torn areas of the world. The actor, who played Lt. Dan in “Forrest Gump,” is also a spokesman for the U.S. Disabled Veterans Life Memorial Foundation.

The gala is sponsored by TriWest Healthcare Alliance, American Airlines and Military Connection to name a few and proceeds from ‘A Night of Honour’ will support the Iraq Star Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the necessary reconstructive surgeries to assist war veterans recovering from physically disfiguring injuries. Over 40,000 wounded veterans have returned to the United States and many of them suffer injuries that require additional reconstructive surgery. With approximately $800 - $13,000, the volunteer services of the amazing surgeons who have become a part of this foundation and the family of sponsors who are making a difference, a soldier can receive this life altering care. Iraq Star’s Mission is to not let the Iraq and Afghanistan wars permanently disfigure young lives.

Aside from Dr. Phil McGraw, Dennis Miller and Gary Sinise, expected celebrities in attendance will include: the wounded warriors of Iraq Star, along with Scott Baio, Stephen Baldwin, Melissa Joan Hart, Robert Davi, Lou Ferrigno, Paul Stanley, Rob Lowe, Tom Dreesen, Angie Everhart, Kevin Farley, Marla Maples, Robin McGraw, John Ratzenberger, Kevin Sorbo, Kristy Swanson, Karri Turner, Jon Voight, Dave Mason, Doug & Jackie Christie and many more.

For additional information on Iraq Star Foundation, please visit: www.IraqStar.org
For celebrity guest list, press & media consideration, please contact Francine Marseille at fmarseille@yahoo.com.