This fall, the United Service Organizations (USO) will say a special thank you to one of Joint Base Lewis-McChord's very own. This year, Sgt. Craig D. Warfle of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, has been selected as the USO's 2013 Soldier of the Year.

The USO will recognize Warfle and other enlisted servicemembers from each branch of the military during its annual Service Member of the Year awards at the 2013 USO Gala, "Honoring Those Who Serve," on Oct. 25 in Washington, D.C. The star-studded gala will have an estimated 1,100 guests, which will include Washington dignitaries, celebrities, U.S. congressional members, military leadership, members of the USO Board of Governors and USO corporate sponsors. All will gather together to pay tribute and homage to these American heroes as well as the USO Volunteer of the Year and Spirit of the USO honorees.

Warfle's selection embodies the essence of the award's meaning. According to a recent USO press release, Warfle distinguished himself while on deployment in Afghanistan as a member of a Joint Special Operations Strike Force. After coming under fire in an open field, Warfle suppressed the enemy position, which allowed team members to strategize and assault enemy positions. Warfle and his squad leader came under heavy fire at that time, and even though injured in the firefight, Warfle pressed on anyway, continuing to suppress the enemy to protect his injured squad leader. Warfle received the Distinguished Service Cross for his altruistic and courageous act.

"Our troops and their families are amazing. Their unfailing dedication to protecting the freedoms we enjoy daily is why the USO is completely committed to saying ‘thank you' on behalf of all Americans and why we work so hard to be always by their side wherever they may be serving," said USO Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff John I. Pray, Jr. "It is a privilege and honor to be able to recognize Sergeant Warfle for his selfless act of heroism. Despite being injured and under fire, he put the mission and safety of his squad leader above his own well-being. He could not be more deserving of this year's Soldier of the Year Award."

The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to lift the spirits of U.S. troops and their families worldwide through innovative services, programs and support. Boasting about 160 locations in 27 states and 14 countries, the USO team is passionately committed to saying "thank you" to our military and their families and has been for more than 72 years.

To learn more about the USO mission, programs, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to help, visit www.uso.org or the USO Northwest local chapter at www.usonw.org. For details about the national gala event, visit www.uso.org/gala.