So you've got one of those magnetic yellow ribbons stuck on the back of your car. Now tell me this: Is it there because you really support the troops? Or do you just want other people to think you do?

Talk is cheap. And so are yellow ribbons. But if there's more to you than the stick-on patriotism you advertise, here's a chance to rise above the red, white and blue chickenhawks who talk a good war as long as it doesn't inconvenience them.

When the USO opened last August at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the staff figured to help a thousand service members a month, tops.

"We've averaged 2,000 a month since we opened," said Carol Palmer, the assistant director of operations. "In July, we had 3,000.

"We've had to stay open 24 hours a day since January. One night we had 54 people sleeping on the floor here and down in baggage claim. I'd bring them up in shifts of 10, fix them pancakes and send them back."

Forget the Bob Hope shows of wars past. Today's USO helps soldiers one-on-one. Young service members and their families are finding their way to the second floor of Terminal A in ever-growing numbers. There, a corps of more than 150 active volunteers stands ready to feed them, give them a place to crash, let them relax with video games, watch a little TV, change the baby, find transportation, make a free call home or just be around people for whom "support the troops" is more than a stick-on slogan.

But it takes money -- last year's budget was $65,000 -- to keep the doors open, and right now the USO is strapped.

That's why on Aug. 13, there's going to be a black tie and fancy dress party at the Woman's Club of Raleigh. The goal is to raise money to help the USO keep helping those who serve their country.

But the "Salute to Freedom" is more than a chance for local swells to see and be seen. The evening will salute genuine North Carolina heroes.

Fort Bragg paratrooper Gerald Wolford wears the Silver Star. Coast Guardsman Mario Vittone earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for saving lives at sea. N.C. National Guard Capt. Brent Orr from Cary flew missions in Afghanistan. Navy Petty Officer Scott Geist was honored as Senior Sailor of the Year for Marine Corps Force, Atlantic. Lt. Col. Peter Donnelly from Pope Air Force Base has been awarded six Bronze Stars.

Camp Lejeune Cpl. Christopher Zimny, USMC, will not be there, however. He was killed while leading his Marines in Iraq. His family is coming from Illinois to represent him.

The evening is about raising a lot of badly needed money, so it isn't cheap. Individual tickets are $150, with corporate tables going from $1,000 to $15,000.

But if you wanted to send a smaller check to the USO, P.O. Box 91443, Raleigh, N.C., 27675, it would be deeply appreciated by those who serve who need to know those yellow ribbons are not just an empty fad.

Come to the party if you can afford it. Maybe you could lean on your boss to sponsor a table. Or just send a check equal to what you've spent on yellow ribbons for your car.

"We can make a little bit of money go a long way," Palmer said. "With our volunteers and donations, we can feed five Marines on a dollar."

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