Military husbands, don't miss your chance to show your wife how much she means to you!

CHICAGO - Today, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn announced the "Ring in the Holidays" USO Diamond Ring Contest - where one Illinois military husband will win a 14k diamond ring for his wife.

 

Quinn was joined by Jan Emmert of the USO World Board of Governors, who came up with the contest at the USO Gala held in October where a similar diamond ring was auctioned off.

 

After she overheard a sailor say to his wife, "I wish I could afford to get you that ring," Emmert contacted her jeweler and told him the story. The jeweler, who wishes to remain anonymous, agreed to custom-design and donate a ring for the contest.

 

The ring is a 14-karat yellow and white gold ladies' "right hand ring" set with 19 round, brilliant diamonds. The ring is nearly one carat in weight and retails for $1,750.

 

The contest is open to all active duty, National Guard, or Reserve military husbands from Illinois who are serving or have served in the Global War on Terrorism. Contestants must submit an essay of 100 words or less on how his wife's love and support has changed his life or made a difference to him.

 

In addition, the Union League Club of Chicago will treat the winning couple to a free weekend stay.

 

Entries must be received by Wednesday, December 14, at 5:00 p.m. The winner will be announced the week of December 19, 2005.

 

Quinn was also joined by Lisa Moeller, President of the USO of Illinois and Patrick Casey, Chairman of the Board of the USO of Illinois.

 

For more information on how to enter the USO "Ring in the Holidays" Diamond Ring Contest, visit www.OperationHomefront.org. With more than 12.5 million hits, it's one of the country's most informative websites on supporting our troops.