What does service mean to you?

At the United Service Organizations (USO), “service” isn’t just in our name – it’s in our DNA. For USO staff, volunteers and the military community we support, service is an inherent part of everything we do. But what does service mean to you, personally?

Get involved

The USO is collecting video testimonials on the idea of “service.”

Our military embodies the idea of “service” in their work and in the sacrifices that they make every day to ensure the freedoms of our nation.

A woman records a video testimonial. | Photo credit USO photo

In the past year, we have seen thousands of people – service members and everyday heroes alike – called to step up and serve in unprecedented ways due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their actions to support and ensure the safety of their communities have been inspiring and humbling.

To highlight the work of Americans serving around the world, whether it be at home or on the front lines, the USO is collecting video testimonials from everyone – service members, civilians, veterans and USO staff and volunteers – on what the idea of service means to them.

Service is a core tenant of the American spirit, and we believe that sharing these perspectives during challenging times is crucial in bolstering the courage and resolve of our communities and country.

How to Participate

A service member records a video message. | Photo credit USO photo

Simply record a diary-style horizontal video of yourself answering one (or more, if you’d like) of these three open-ended questions on service:

What does “service” mean to you?
Tell us about someone who is the epitome of service to you.
What is the best example of service that you have personally witnessed in your life?

Then, send us the video via this page using the submission form at the bottom of this page. We will look through your submissions and select a handful of entries to be published on the USO’s content channels for the world to see.

Thank you for taking the time to help us highlight the incredible service we see every day among our troops, and in our communities.

Tips to Record a Great Video

FAQs

What can I use to record my video?

You can use a smart phone, digital camera or computer.
What do I say in the video?

You can answer one or all of the following questions: 1) What does “service” mean to you? 2) Tell us about someone who is the epitome of service to you. 3) What is the best example of service that you have personally witnessed in your life?
How long does my video need to be?

As long as you'd like, but generally no longer than five minutes is best.

Submit Your Video

Click here to submit your video. You will be redirected to an external page.

In submitting your video, you agree to the USO Content Submission Release Agreement. Read our Content Submission and privacy policy.