Jon Stewart & SecDef Robert Gates ‘Train’ Wounded Warriors At Bob Woodruff Foundation’s Stand Up For Heroes Event!

NORTHWEST -- Purple hearts and stars and stripes were liberally on display at the Ronald Reagan Building on Thursday evening, as the Bob Woodruff Foundation hosted the Washington, D.C. debut of its signature ‘Stand Up For Heroes’ event.

Co-founded by Bob Woodruff and Lee Woodruff after Bob was seriously injured while reporting on the Iraq war in 2006, the non-profit (originally an offshoot of the Brain Injury Association of America) works with government, corporate, and non-profit partners to identify and help fulfill the unmet needs of today’s service members, veterans, and their families, with a specific focus on aiding the physically and psychologically wounded.

Foundation co-founders Bob and Lee Woodruff.
Last night’s event saw more than 700 guests, including wounded warriors from all branches of the military, White House officials, members of Congress, national media personalities, and senior military officers turn out for a star-studded fundraiser.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney and CNN Host of “The Situation Room” Wolf Blitzer.
A reception kicked things off at 6:30 p.m. with attendees, many still recovering from injuries sustained in Afghanistan and Iraq, sharing laughs and stories with many of the VIPs in the room.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates delivered a brief series of remarks to the crowd and ceremoniously handed out custom coins bearing his name – one of the highest military honors – to service men and women.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
“Contrary to what you may have heard, I am not the warm-up act to Jon Stewart,” Gates joked.

More somberly, he continued: “When I first took this job…I made a pledge to myself, to the Congress, to countless moms and dads, husbands and wives, that other than winning the wars we are in, my highest priority would be to provide the best possible care for those who are wounded in combat.”

“…at the heart of our volunteer force, is a contract between the United States of America and the men and women who serve our military. A contract that is simultaneously legal, social, and sacred. An inviolable promise that when young Americans step forward of their own free will to serve, they can do so with the expectation that they and their families will be properly cared for.”

“Every day in this job, I have felt a deep sense of personal responsibility to our young men and women in uniform…you have my deepest gratitude and respect for all that you have given. And know that I and, along with many others here too tonight and all across the country, will be an advocate for you for the rest of my days.”

Post reception, guests were promptly ushered into the Reagan Building’s cavernous atrium for the dinner program hosted by the Woodruffs.

A full color guard was present to honor all branches of the armed services and a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by the patriotic band known as 4 Troops.

Soon after, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, USN, took the stage, addressing everything from Bob Woodruff’s injury and decision to start his foundation (“he has chosen not to walk away”) to the sacrifices made for the United States by the country’s veterans.

Admiral Mike Mullen, USN.
In perhaps one of the most heartfelt moments of the evening, Admiral Mullen closed by thanking the outgoing Secretary of Defense for his years of service: “I think we all know by now Bob Gates is actually leaving.“

“I can tell you firsthand that there is nobody, no one I have met, who is more dedicated to those of us in uniform than Bob Gates… He first and foremost cares about those who are serving and, in particular, those who he orders into the fight.”

“He has been ferocious in his defense of us… A true public servant who has served in Washington over decades… We have been so fortunate to have [Bob and Becky] as our leader[s] and we know how much you care… We will miss you [and] we are forever grateful for all you have done for all of us.”

Admiral Mullen’s remarks brought tears to Secretary Gates’ eyes.
Seriousness then gave way to levity after the dinner program, with comic and television host of The Daily Show Jon Stewart delivering a hilarious 20-minute routine.

Touching on the most recent “Weiner-gate” scandal, Stewart quipped that “As I look at the wounded warriors…and I know the challenges that they face...even in their darkest times, it’s important to remember at least they don’t have blurry pictures of their genitals spread all over the Internet.”

He continued with bits comparing President George W. Bush to President Barack Obama, the hyped controversy surrounding President Obama’s name (comparing it to “Gaydolph Shitler”), and the supposed “gay agenda” (”Gay people should not be able to march in the St. Patrick’s Day parade… Look, gay people are very flamboyant. And nothing should take away from the dignity of that parade.”).

GRAMMY Award-winning band Train.
Veteran pop band Train, who won the first award during the 2011 GRAMMY Awards, then finished-off the evening with a 30-minute set that included many of their hit songs, like “Calling All Angels” and “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me).”

A stand up event for stand-up heroes.