USO to honor service heroes Published Sept. 14, 2006 ARLINGTON, Va. (AFPN) -- The United Service Organizations will present its "Service Member of the Year" Award to an enlisted member from each branch of the armed forces at the 2006 USO World Gala Sept. 28 in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes individuals for extraordinary heroism. This year's recipients are: Staff Sgt. Joseph Upton, U.S. Air Force, is with the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Suffering from two ruptured eardrums and a concussion as a result of an explosion, he came to the aid of a wounded Airman, saving his life. Sgt. Leigh Hester, U.S. Army, is with the 617th Military Police Company at Bowling Green, Ky. She is the first woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star for valor in combat in Iraq. She led troops in a counterattack after an ambush, saving the lives of many of her fellow Soldiers. Cpl. Robert Snyder, U.S. Marine Corps, is with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, at Camp Pendleton, Calif. His platoon encountered enemy fire while on patrol in Iraq. His quick actions saved the lives of three Marines and helped lead several others to safety.Hospital Corpsman Nathaniel Leoncio, U.S. Navy, is assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton, Calif. His convoy was struck by bombs while on patrol in Iraq. Despite suffering a traumatic injury to his leg, he provided life-saving medical care to other injured Marines. Aviation Survival Technician Mitchell Latta, U.S. Coast Guard, is assigned to the Coast Guard Aviation Center in Mobile, Ala. He saved the lives of 181 people during rescue operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The USO World Gala also will commemorate the 65th anniversary of the USO and its ongoing efforts to provide support to military personnel stationed around the world. Entertainment will be provided by country music performer Jo Dee Messina and comedian and actor Sinbad. Deborah Norville will serve as master of ceremonies.