USO Support for American Troops During the Israel-Hamas War
As U.S. military service members answer the call, the USO is there to support. We rely on your generosity to carry out that important mission.
The War Between Israel and Hamas
On October 16, the Pentagon announced that 2,000 U.S. service members have been placed on a heightened alert to potentially deploy in response to the escalating war between Israel and Hamas. This is in addition to the previous movement of U.S. ships – including two Navy carrier strike groups and a Marine expeditionary unit – into the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
These preparations and movements are intended to act as a deterrence, to ensure that the Israel-Hamas war does not escalate regionally in the Middle East. And the American people who serve in our nation’s military play a crucial role in carrying out that mission.
Even while under extreme pressure, our military members are always ready to step up and serve. And the USO is always ready to support them, every step of the way.
How the USO Is There to Support
As service members deploy with short notice or take on extended tours in response to the Israel-Hamas war, the USO is there with care packages, Programs in a Box and other urgent supplies to support the influx of ships and missions throughout the Middle East region.
The USO Care Package Program provides service members with essential snack and toiletry items specifically designed to support them during deployment and while in transit. USO field locations also assemble and deliver custom care packages to service members and families based on the needs in their communities.
USO Program in a Box is designed to give service members a much-needed chance to unwind and interact in a way that allows them to take a break from the stressful realities of their deployment. These boxes contain all the materials service members need to host their own USO program or activity, no matter where they are in the world. This kind of support is particularly important for Sailors on long deployments at sea or service members deployed or stationed in remote locations.
Military families back home are also impacted by this current situation. In times of uncertainty and stress such as this, the spouses and children of service members can turn to the USO. USO locations and programming are a source of comfort, and a place where families can find vital resources and connection with each other and their deployed loved ones. To find a center or receive assistance, please visit www.USO.org/centers.
Ways to Support
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The USO is supporting American troops and their families around the world, including those who could be impacted by the conflict in the region.
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Send a Message of Support
Connect with our service members by sending a message of support and encouragement during this difficult time.
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*Your contribution will be joined with the contributions of others and used where it is needed most to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country.
Header image by U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rylin Paul/Released