The USO and Giving Back

Pin It Have you heard of the USO?  Before I became a military spouse, the USO was an acronym I associated with Bob Hope, World War II, and commercials during football.

Now that I've lived in military communities for 5 years, I know that the USO is so much more than just a commercial on TV.

The USO on our post opened only about 3 years ago.  It's a pretty neat place - with a kitchen, computer terminals, internet access, TV's, DVD's, comfy chairs.  They regularly host events for soldiers and families stationed here.  We've brought food and goodies over the holidays when they invite everyone to eat, relax, and enjoy a sense of community.  I've been inside on random days and found volunteers from community cooking dinner for the soldiers who spend their time there after work.

But I learned first-hand the difference the USO makes back in 2008.  Romas deployed at the end of November - Thanksgiving day, actually!  (The military can be so heartless!)  I bought a ticket back to the States to spend Christmas with my family in Phoenix.  I had a layover in Philadelphia and figured I'd get to my gate, get something to eat, and spend the 3 or so hours waiting.

After making my way through customs, I found my gate and saw that the USO was located directly below.  I had never been in a USO, but had heard that they were great so I decided to go down and find out after I bought something to eat.

The moment I walked through their doors, I knew what the USO was all about.  I was greeted with so much warmth and kindness from total strangers.  The volunteers that night were cooking an entire buffet dinner and were so disappointed to see that I had paid money for food in the terminal above.  They invited me to use their phone to call my family and let them know I had arrived safely in Philly and would soon be on my way.

One volunteer couldn't wait to give me a tour.  It was amazing!  They had a small theater with a movie screen and recliners.  Another volunteer was delivering popcorn to the soldiers watching a movie!  There was a small collection of books, about 12 computers, and big comfy couches and chairs.  I had my laptop and was given the password for their wireless access so I could spend a few hours playing around on the computer.  There were even cots in small rooms in case someone needed a place to sleep.  They had a kitchen with a refrigerator stocked full of drinks.  (I wasn't allowed to leave that night without at least one bottle of water because "they don't give you drinks anymore, you know!")

I cannot even begin to describe how much it meant to me to be welcomed with open arms.  Having Romas gone during Christmas was really hard but then I met such wonderful people who had given up time with their loved ones to make sure that people like me were taken care of.  They are truly an incredible organization.

Fast forward three years…Now we have little Maia and I'm finding that the USO does even more than I thought!  The USO teams up with Sesame Street to provide a live show for military children!

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Maia was too young this year when they came by on their tour, but I know we'll be there next year so she can see her favorites Elmo and Cookie Monster in person!  How great is that?

Want to know how you can help support an organization as incredible as the USO?  Go to their website and make a donation.  The money goes to provide support and services (and FUN!) to US soldiers and families around the world.

Want to be more specific in your gift?  The USO has a Wishbook.  You can narrow down the different gift options by interest, recipient, or price.  For example, you can give the gift of a phone call home ($25) or a comfort food package ($15) to deployed troops or for $50 you can give a child the gift of a bedtime story, read on DVD by mom or dad while downrange.

Don't have extra money to donate this holiday season?  Spend a few hours volunteering at your local USO - they're in airports around the world.  Help welcome a solider, spouse, or family member traveling during the holidays.  They will always remember your kindness.

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