USO Facts |
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• For more than 68 years, the USO has been providing morale-boosting programs and services to enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families around the world.
• The USO was conceived in 1941 in response to a mandate from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The President challenged six private organizations – the YMCA, YWCA, National Catholic Community Service, the National Jewish Welfare Board, the Traveler’s Aid Association and the Salvation Army – to handle the on-leave morale needs for members of the armed forces.
• While the USO has diversified and changed over time, the mission remains constant: to bring a touch of home to our men and women in uniform, until every one comes home.
• The USO is the link between the American people and military personnel. Through the USO, Americans can show their appreciation and express their gratitude.
• The USO is not a government agency. It is a nonprofit, charitable organization and relies on donations from private citizens and corporations.
• Currently, the USO operates more than 135 centers in 11 countries, 22 states and the District of Columbia.
• Thousands of volunteers donate their time and talents. Service members and their families visit USO centers more than 5.6 million times. In 2008, volunteers gave the USO 800,000 hours of their time.
• USO centers provide a wide range of services, such as free Internet and e-mail access, prepaid international phone cards, entertainment lounges, libraries, special events and travel assistance.
• USO programs include Operation USO Care Package, USO Operation Phone Home®, USO Celebrity Entertainment tours, United Through Reading® Military Program, Operation Enduring Care, Pro vs. GI Joe, MEGS, USO2Go, USO in a Box, Mobile USO, Operation Mail Call and Gifts from the Homefront.
• USO Arlington office serves as the coordination point for all programs, and provides training and technical assistance to all USO Centers as well as central management of Celebrity Entertainment tours.