From celebrating with a deployed service member over the birth of their child to surprise celebrity visits, the USO is proud to keep America’s military service members connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. In celebration of 1 MILLION likes on the USO Facebook, let’s take a look back at 10 of our favorite Facebook posts of all time!
10. USO Tour Veteran Gary Sinise
The actor has entertained over 391,000 service members on almost 100 USO Tours. Sinise, well known for his role as Lt. Dan in the movie “Forrest Gump,” formed the Lt. Dan Band to provide morale, recognition and support to the military and its family members. “After 9/11, I wanted to make sure the military folks always knew there was a grateful nation,” Sinise said. “I thought it’d be fun, you know, to put on a show. The USO let me do that.“
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9. Our Youngest Supporter
USO centers around the globe host millions of visits from service members and their families every year. Check out one of our youngest supporters, who is sure to bring a smile to your face!
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8. Miss USA 2016
Deshauna Barber, an Army Reserve officer from Washington, D.C., was crowned Miss USA 2016 one week after helping a military teenager pick out her homecoming dress at a USO Operation That’s My Dress event in Las Vegas.
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7. Invocation by Air Force Major General Dondi Costin
"Thank you for the military family members who deny themselves so that others don’t have to,” the Chief of Chaplains of the U.S. Air Force said at the USO Gala in October of 2015.
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6. USO Grand Marshall at the 2013 Coca-Cola 600
Chosen by Coca-Cola to represent the USO, Aaron Causey served as the Grand Marshall at the Coca-Cola 600 in 2013. Aaron Causey enlisted in the Air Force in 2000 and was trained as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician. On September 7, 2011, while deployed in Afghanistan, Aaron stepped on an IED, causing serious injuries. He retired as a sergeant first class with 13 years of service as an EOD technician in two branches of the military. It was an honor to have him represent the USO.
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5. A Deployed Service Member Welcomes a Newborn
USO centers around the globe stand ready to support service members in any way. In this case, a USO center was there to celebrate with a deployed soldier who welcomed the birth of his new baby girl.
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4. Willie Robertson Surprises USO Dallas/Fort Worth
We love when celebrities stop by USO centers to say hello! For example, Willie Robertson surprising guests in the USO Dallas/Fort Worth center in 2014.
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3. A Newborn Finding Comfort in a USO Center
A tired 7-month-old and a newly potty-trained 2-year-old found themselves stuck in the airport with their mom. Thankfully, the USO of Central and Southern Ohio was ready to help.
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2. Superbowl Halftime 2014
During Bruno Mars’ Halftime show, several videos of deployed service members were aired so that they could send a message to their families. The deployed service members used a USO center on their base to record their messages to loved ones.
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1. Welcome Home to Technical Sergeant Chad Boley
A homecoming to remember. After more than two years, he was able to come home and surprise his wife and children.
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Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.
