The SeaTac USO Center was established at Sea-Tac International Airport in July 1966.

In the 39 years since, USO and its volunteers have worked around-the-clock, assisting over three million members of America's traveling military and their families here in the Pacific Northwest.

On Saturday Oct. 29, the USO of Puget Sound Area will hold their 2005 Gala in downtown Seattle at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.

The 6 p.m. event will include a public award presentation of the Rear Admiral Herb Bridge Award - named after the noted Seattle businessman, philanthropist and former flag-rank U.S. Naval Reserve officer - to the Boeing Corp.

A live auction, live entertainment by the USO's acclaimed patriotic singing troupe, the Liberty Belles, and a moving short film on the history of the USO featuring some of the Puget Sound area's local heroes, will be part of the program.

The cost of this fundraising event is $175 per person.

A second USO in the Puget Sound region opened at McChord Air Force Base in November 1984.

For more information about the event, volunteering or learning more about local USO activities, call 206-246-1908 or visit www.usopsa.org.