WASHINGTON -- Al Franken, still embroiled in a U.S. Senate recount battle with Norm Coleman, will travel to the nation's capital this week to pick up a volunteer award for his lengthy USO service.

The former "Saturday Night Live" comedian will appear along with actress Renée Zellweger at the USO's annual black-tie awards dinner Wednesday.

Franken will receive the organization's Merit Award for his work with deployed and wounded service members. He is a veteran of numerous overseas USO tours, as well as several visits to the Bethesda Naval Hospital and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he met with wounded soldiers in January.

Thirty-six of the nation's 98 living Medal of Honor recipients are expected to be honored, along with active-duty members from each branch of the military.

KEVIN DIAZ