CHICAGO - "There she was, just a-walkin' down the street signing, 'Do wah diddy diddy dum diddy do. Snappin' her fingers and shufflin' her feet singing, 'Do wah diddy diddy dum diddy do.'"
Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers echoed the familiar tune chanted by actor Bill Murray as they entered Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom in Chicago, filled with more than 1,000 United Service Organization (USO) of Illinois supporters.
The 2008 Salute to our Troops USO of Illinois Gala was held Nov. 15 in honor and support of service members. The proceeds from the gala directly benefit and improve the quality of life of members and families of the U.S. Armed Forces.
"The USO has opened my eyes (to the military)," said Murray, who along with several Illinois Guard Soldiers surprised guests of the gala with a skit reenactment from the 1981 movie "Stripes."
"Working with Bill Murray was absolutely incredible for me since I have been a fan of his for years," said Staff Sgt. Scott Snyder, a member of 2nd Battalion, 123rd Forward Support Company based in Milan. "He is just as personable and quick-witted in person as he is on screen. It was an experience I will share with others for years."
Earlier in the day, Soldiers had one-on-one time with Murray, when they rehearsed the skit. Before the rehearsal, Murray shook hands and thanked the Illinois Soldiers for their military service.
"I thought it was a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Capt. Timothy J. Newman of Plainfield, member of the 631st Engineer Support Company in Lawrenceville. "He is an extremely nice, creative and a wonderful guy to work with. He also cared about us as troops and was very interested in what we had to say."
Throughout the evening, Murray made his way through the crowd, talking to local supporters and members from all the U.S. military branches. Among the crowd was Annette Chapman of Atlanta, whose husband, Spc. Harold Chapman, is deployed with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Company Team.
When Annette found out she would attend the gala and could meet Murray, she immediately phoned her husband, a life-long Murray fan. He told her if she had the opportunity to speak with Murray, he wanted her to pass on a message to him.
So when Murray made his way to her table, Annette told him who she was and that she had a message from her deployed husband. Murray grabbed her hand and listened as she relayed Harold's message of how Murray's 1984 movie "The Razor's Edge" positively impacted his life and how Harold always wanted to thank Murray for that movie.
"He hugged me so tight, and he did have a little tear in his eye," Annette said about Murray's reaction.
In addition to Murray's appearance, the gala also featured Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart, Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band with Kimo Williams and Leeanne Tweeden, a Fox Sports Network reporter, who was presented with the 2008 Angel Harvey Heart of a Patriot Award.
Overall, the Illinois National Guard Soldiers who had the opportunity to attend the gala and work with Murray all agreed it was an experience to remember.
"Immediately upon arrival (at the gala) there was a sense of absolute pageantry," Snyder said. "It appeared that each branch of the military was well represented and Chicago's finest citizens, all of whom support our military, were quick with expressions of gratitude, when in fact it was I that was humbled."