USO Background

 

Since before the United States entered World War II, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been a bridge between the American people and the U.S. military. In times of peace and war, the USO has consistently delivered its special brand of comfort, morale and recreational services to service members and their families. A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support USO activities. The USO is not part of the U.S. Government but is supported by the President of the United States and the Department of Defense. Each President has been the Honorary Chairman of the USO since its inception.

The USO mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform. The original intent of Congress—and enduring style of USO delivery—is to represent the American people by extending a touch of home to the military.

 

Worldwide Operations

 

The USO currently operates more than 130 centers around the world, including 10 mobile canteens, with 78 located in the continental United States and 51 overseas.

Overseas centers are located in Afghanistan, Germany, Guam, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Service members and their families visit USO centers more than 5.3 million times each year.

 

The World USO Organization

 

USO World Headquarters is located at 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1200, Arlington, Va. 22201.

Chairman of the USO World Board of Governors is Mr. William A. Moll.

President and CEO of the USO is The Honorable Edward A. Powell.

 

General Programs and Services

 
  • "Newcomer" briefings for troops and family members
  • Support groups for families separated by deployments
  • Housing assistance
  • Libraries and reading rooms
  • Cultural awareness seminars
  • Airport service centers
  • Recreational activities
  • Nursery facilities
  • High-quality, inexpensive tours
  • New spouse orientations
  • Telephone, Internet and e-mail capabilities
  • USO centers that — on or off base — provide a relaxing and wholesome alternative to daily stress
 

Special Programs

 
  • Operation Care Package
  • Operation Phone Home
  • United Through Reading
  • Operation Mail Call
  • Operation Enduring Care
  • Gifts from the Homefront
  • Mobile USO Program
 

Volunteer Culture

 

The USO is, by congressional charter, the people’s covenant with the armed forces that their sacrifices are appreciated.

This covenant has been — and will continue to be — delivered in large part by the USO’s most important resource, its volunteers.

In 2006, more than 25,000 members in the USO international corps of volunteers provide an estimated 488,798 hours of service annually.

From welcoming home deployed troops at 0200 to relieving the loneliness of an individual soldier/sailor/airman/Marine or Coast Guardsman, the volunteer contribution in delivering a touch of home is the USO’s primary asset.

Unpaid volunteer to paid volunteer ration worldwise is 71 to 1. If you would like to become a USO volunteer, view the Locations Directory to find the USO center nearest you. Please contact them directly by e-mailing or calling the number provided.