Stand Up for Heroes to mark 20 years at Lincoln Center

NEW YORK CITY -- A special event at Lincoln Center on Monday night will bring together comedy, music and veterans' stories in support of injured veterans and their families.

The 20th annual Stand Up for Heroes, part of the New York Comedy Festival, raises money for injured veterans and their families.

Bruce Springsteen is set to perform at the event. The New Jersey musician has been the benefit's musical guest since its inception and has performed at the event 17 times over the years.

The night will also feature comedians including Jon Stewart, Josh Johnson and Hasan Minhaj. Organizers say the focus of the evening is on veterans and their stories of survival and perseverance.

Bob Woodruff, co-founder of Stand Up for Heroes and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, reflected on the inspiration behind the organization.

"When I was hit in Iraq, I was, I was in a in a coma for 36 days," Woodruff said. "So, I ended up to Bethesda Naval. I remember my family and me saw all these other badly wounded veterans. There was remarkable medical care at the VA or the DOD. But when they go back to their town, our big concern was that they would not have the same kind of ability to go through their lives, maybe even find another job if they could work at all. So, we decided to fill that gap."

Woodruff said the organization's mission has centered on helping people find effective ways to support veterans.

"I think everybody wants to do something for the veterans, but the problem is figuring out the best way to do it. So that's been the accomplishment," Woodruff said.

Organizers describe the event as a night of hope, healing and laughter while raising support for veterans and their families.