USO Opens First USO Center in Balad, Iraq
Feb. 7, 2008 |
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COL Steven Boylan
"Since our inception, the USO has had one and only mission, and that is to bring the heart of America to our men and women who serve. This center, just as all of our USO centers located worldwide, is representative of that mission and will remain in Balad as long as men and women in uniform are stationed there."
– USO president and CEO Edward Powell
USO
Gen. David Petraeus, Commanding General of the Multi-National Forces in Iraq, spoke to service members during an opening ceremony for a USO facility at the U.S. airbase in Balad, Iraq, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008.
The USO center in Balad, Iraq opened its doors February 7, extending its services and programs to troops supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. The first USO center to be located in Iraq, USO Balad celebrated its opening with a center dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. Among those in attendance were General David Petraeus, USO president and CEO Edward Powell as well as soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, coastguardsmen and civilians stationed throughout the region.
Referred to as "Mortaritaville" because of the area's history of frequent mortar and rocket attacks by insurgents, the center will provide a range of conveniences designed to connect troops with the comforts of home. Among the many amenities offered by USO Balad are free Internet and e-mail access, pre-paid phone cards, access to video games and movies, resting areas with recliners, and refreshments.
"The troopers at Balad Air Base and LSA Anaconda will flock to this facility to feel a little touch of home and to be in touch with home...From phones and email access to web-cams and capabilities for troopers to record themselves reading books to their children, the USO Balad will enable our troopers to stay connected with those they love at home."
– General David Petraeus
COL Steven Boyan
"I had an opportunity to see the USO facility and it's first rate," said Gen. Petraeus. "From the game rooms to movies to places to just sit and relax, it is wonderful. And I am confident that the troopers located at Balad Air Base and LSSA Anaconda will love this facility."
Earlier this week the USO recognized and celebrated its 67th anniversary. Formed in 1941, the USO has expanded its programs and services to help meet the increasing needs of today's military personnel and their families. Recently, the USO opened eleven new centers in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Texas, New York, Virginia, California and on Guam. The organization also distributed more than one million Operation USO Care Packages and two million phone cards, letting America's troops know their service and sacrifice have not been forgotten.
"The USO has provided unparalleled support to our troopers, in countless ways large and small," continued Patraeus. "Our troopers feel that support when they enter a USO airport center, when they watch their favorite entertainers on USO entertainment tours and when they receive clothing, DVDS, CDs and other items. And now our troops serving in Balad will feel that support when they enter and enjoy the first USO facility in Iraq."
Videos from the Balad USO Center Opening
Articles About the Balad Center Opening