Hilton Corp. not renewing lease of pro-troops restaurant

Fran O'Brien's Steakhouse leases space at the Capitol Hilton in Washington. Third Wave Dave tipped me off to this story. One of owners of the restaurant is the restaurant's manager, Hal Koster, who is a Vietnam veteran.

Every Friday night, Hal treats wounded soldiers from nearby Walter Reed Hospital to free dinner and drinks.

That's going to end soon.

Via Mudville Gazette, here is an e-mail from retired Lt. Col. Buzz Patterson:

Hello all,

This past Friday night I was privileged to visit Fran O'Brien's steakhouse in the Capitol Hilton, Washington, DC. Every Friday night, Hal Koster, the restaurant manager and Vietnam Vet, invites our wounded soldiers convalescing at nearby Walter Reed Army Center to a free steak dinner and drinks. It was supposedly a "slow" night for our heroes as many were on a ski trip in Colorado. But I walked into an absolutely packed room of wounded soldiers and their families enjoying a minor but well-deserved recognition for their service to our country.

I've also discovered since then that the Hilton Corporation will not be renewing the lease. Apparently, there are too many "liability issues" in accommodating American heroes in wheelchairs. In fact, the lease (and therefore the dinners) will expire in a few short weeks. If America had responded as we would in the past, this would be inconsequential really. Obviously we have not and it is a tragic commentary on today's PC-ness.

Please read the attached e-mail with more of the details.

Best,
Buzz

Buzz Patterson
Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Retired)

Third Wave Dave has contact information for the Hilton Corporation. Be firm, but courteous:

*Dan Boyle (212) 838-1558

daniel_a_boyle@hilton.com

Brian Kellaher (202) 393-1000* Update: Ask for ex 5758--it will connect you with his sec.

Remember, when you contact these idiots, keep in mind that Hilton has many other business interests, too. Mention them.

Hilton properties include the following:

Hilton, Conrad Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inns, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites.

Real American patriots won't let this stand, nor will they ever spend another dime in a Hilton property as long as this continues. Make yourself heard!! Start blogging, emailing, and calling. Now!!

At the other end of the pro-troops spectrum is United Airlines. The Chicago-area based airline is one of the airlines participting in Operation Hero Miles, a program that allows donated frequent flier miles to be transferred to troops to fly home for free, or, using those miles for families to visit troops convalescing at military hospitals.

Over 5,000 round-trip tickets have been donated by Operation Hero Miles.

Still, shame on the Hilton Corporation.

Technorati tags: Hilton Hilton Hotels United Airlines Washington DC Military Walter Reed ADA Operation Hero Miles