the USO

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King Supports the Troops with the “Five for Fighting” Campaign

March 9, 2010 · 1 Comment

SI Columnist Peter King

A chance conversation five years ago with the guy seated next to him at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game led Peter King – a popular columnist with Sports Illustrated – down an unexpected path.  He developed a friendship with Army First Sgt. Mike McGuire, who – as King explained in his column last week – “specializes in ridding the landscape of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) on the roads of Iraq and Afghanistan, so others in the military can do their job safely.”

The two men stayed in touch and King recently learned that Sgt. McGuire and the men of Havoc Company, 40th Engineers, will be deployed to Afghanistan later this year.  ”I asked Mike just before the holidays if there was anything I could do for him and his troops. At first he said, ‘We’re fine.’ Then he said it would nice if the base that will likely be invented for his company — as are many in remote areas of Afghanistan — could have some or the comforts that the big bases have: a TV with video games, and weight equipment for the soldiers in the company to use in their downtime.”  With that in mind, King knew just what to do: partner with the USO and John Ondrasik for the “Five for Fighting” initiative, which asks for a donation to get Sgt. McGuire, his company, and other Troops the amenities of the USO2Go program.

USO2GO takes some of most popular offerings of a stand-along USO Center – snacks, coffee, toiletries, phone cards, DVDs, XBox®360, PlayStation® 3, Wii, laptops, musical instruments, art supplies, and footballs just to name a few – and packages them in customized, deployable kits that can be delivered to Forward Operating Bases.  These kits can make all the difference for Troops stationed in isolated, remote locations.

King’s ask went out on February 28th and within just twenty-four hours, YOUR donations resulted in enough for three USO2GO kits!  King put it best when he said, “I’m in awe of your generosity. As is the USO.”

USO2GO being delivered to FOB Brassfield-Mora. Samarra, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ian Terry)

It’s true.  We are humbled by these donations and grateful to King for bringing attention to such a great program.  King promises to continue to update his readership on Sgt. McGuire and his men, and had this quote to share in yesterday’s column: “I don’t even know what to say,” [McGuire] wrote from Germany, where his 135-troop Havoc Company, 40th Engineers, is training for deployment in Afghanistan later this year. “I am speechless, really. We are just soldiers. Never expected anything like this. Please tell everyone, ‘Thank you.’ I wish I could describe the emotions better. This just proves that the American people have not forgotten about the soldier. WOW!!!”

To date, you’ve helped us raise over $125,000, but we’re just getting started.  Your donation means so much to our Troops!

We’ll continue to keep you posted on the latest from Sgt. McGuire and his company.  In the meantime, take a moment to leave a message for them and read what others have posted.  And follow @the_USO and @SI_PeterKing on Twitter for all the latest info.

Thank you.

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“Sons of Anarchy” Cast Members to Kick Start Their Engines on First-Ever USO Tour to Persian Gulf

March 8, 2010 · 3 Comments

Get your motor runnin’, because actors from the hit FX series Sons of Anarchy are heading to a base near you!  Okay, so maybe they won’t be near you, exactly, but they will be embarking on their first visit to those serving in the Persian Gulf.  Actors Kim Coates, Mark Boone Junior, Theo Rossi and Dayton Callie will soon deploy for an eight-day USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour where they’ll spend time with Troops, sign autographs, and pose for photos.  Check back on the blog for photos and tour updates…and get ready for a wild ride!

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Women’s History Month Celebrates Women in the Military

March 8, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Juanita Wilson

Sgt. 1st Class Juanita Wilson (shown at right) accepted a Senate Resolution to recognize the accomplishments of women in the military on Capitol Hill last Thursday, at a Joint Services Women’s History Month Observance.  The resolution – introduced by Sen. Barbara Boxer of California – aims to do five things: “to acknowledge the contributions of women in the military, celebrate the role women play, recognize the unique challenges women face, to strengthen programs for women and to honor women veterans.”

As reported by the Army News Service, “‘I wouldn’t have thought that six years down the road, someone would be thinking about me,’ Wilson said of her surprise at being asked to accept the resolution.  Boxer’s office said the senator introduced the resolution because she wanted to highlight the accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices of women like Wilson in the military.”

This Wednesday, surviving members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP , program will be honored with a special WASP Congressional Gold Medal, created just last year by Congress and President Obama.  Fewer than 300 WASPs are still alive, making this ceremony particularly poignant.

The LA Times show how much has changed since the era of the WASPs: “One of the pilots attending will be [Carol] Brinton — now Carol Brinton Selfridge (shown at left), 92, and living in Santa Barbara.  ’They didn’t even let us join the Army,’ said Selfridge in an interview conducted on Skype. ‘We were private citizens.’”  Selfridge’s granddaughter Air Force Lt. Col. Christy Kayser-Cook, however, values that women like her grandmother paved the way.  ”When Kayser-Cook was commissioned, two people pinned on her bars — her great-uncle, who had been an Air Force pilot during the war, and her grandmother.  ’She was always ahead of her time,’ Kayser-Cook said. ‘She only got to fly props and she was jealous that I got to fly jets.’”

We salute the service and sacrifice of these women and all women who have served our nation.  Stay tuned for more stories throughout National Women’s History Month.

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Looks What’s Happening at USO Europe!

March 7, 2010 · 1 Comment

USO Europe is making a difference of our men and woman in uniform every day.  Take a look at some of their latest news and events…

The CASF USO staff hosted Hug a GI Day. March 4th is National Hug a GI Day and we handed out lots of hugs and made some homemade chili with cheese, sour cream and chips. One volunteer brought dessert for the patients. Five volunteers and two USO staff helped hand out the chili and hand out the hugs to over 40 well deserving service members, both patients and CASF staff. Overall the night was a complete success with the patients getting a good bowl of chili and a whole lot of hugs.

On March 4, 2010 the USO Warrior Center hosted a Wii Bowling Tournament and dinner night for the wounded warriors. The warriors really enjoyed the meal and the participants of the tournament had a great time competing against each other. One of the competitors liked the competition so much that he is going to buy a Wii when he returns stateside. Fifty wounded warriors who attended the event.

For 3 days the USO Naples set up an info point onboard the USS Ramage to assist sailors with local info, directions, phone cards, free snacks, and also ran a special giveaways for DVD movies and a digital camera.

NSA Capodichino holds a quarterly event to recognize the Sailors of the Quarters from all the area commands. Guest Speaker is RADM John Richardson.USO Naples coordinates a plentiful luncheon buffet in the Air Terminal USO Lounge, for this special event that gives the sailors an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments.

The Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA) of Landstuhl provided beef stew, chicken and dumplings, bean soup, chili, and cornbread for the wounded warriors (an in-kind donation).

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NFL Players Spend Their Off-Season in Southwest Asia

March 6, 2010 · 7 Comments

NFL players (L) Mario Williams-Houston Texans, Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns (L-next to Williams), Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys (center) and Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers (kneeling next to Witten) pose with the entire crew supporting the defensive missile system, March 3, 2010. On an eight-day, nine-base USO tour the four players are on a mission to visit with troops, sign autographs and boost morale. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL player Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys poses for a photo with Cowboys fans ontop of a Humvee proudly displaying a Cowboys flag, which Witten later autographed, March 3, 2010. Traveling on his first USO tour Witten is joined by fellow NFL All Stars Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers, Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns and Mario Williams-Houston Texans. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL players (L-R) Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns, Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys (background-green), Mario Williams-Houston Texans (R-Center), and Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers (R) sign autographs for the crew of a C-17 cargo aircraft at the airbase, March 3, 2010. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

Mario Williams-Houston Texans gets a bird's eye view from the pilots seat of a C-17 while Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys talks shop with Captain Paul Tucker. The NFL players are traveling on their first USO tour and are joined by fellow NFL All Stars Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers and Joe Thomas- Cleveland Browns, March 3, 2010. Traveling to nine bases in eight days the players will visit with troops, sign autographs and extend their thanks. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL players Joe Thomas-Cleveland Brown (C) and Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys (R) get a tour of an RC 135/JSTARS aircraft from a service member, March 3, 2010. The two Pro Bowl players are joined by fellow Pro Bowlers Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers and Mario Williams-Houston Texans on their first USO tour, traveling to nine bases in eight days the players will sign autographs, participate in meet and greets and extend their grattitude to troops. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL players Jason Witten-Dallas Cowbys (L), Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns (L-middle), Mario Williams-Houston Texans (R-middle) and Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers (R) pose for a group shot with the ground and air crew of a RC 135/JSTARS aircraft behind them, March 3, 2010. The four NFL All Stars are taking part in their first USO tour, traveling to nine bases in eight days to boost morale, sign autographs and extend their thanks to America's troops. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL players Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers (L-middle), Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns(Left), Mario Williams-Houston Texans (R-middle) and Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys (R) peer out the cargo door of a KC135-Aerial Tanker as they touchdown in the Persian Gulf, March 3, 2010. The NFL 2010 All Star players are traveling on their first USO tour, the players will trek to nine bases in eight days to boost morale and bring a touch of home to troops. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL players Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers (L), Mario Williams-Houston Texans (L-middle), Joe Thomas-Cleveland Brown (R-middle) and Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys (R) pose for a photo with the crew of the B-i Bombers, March 3, 2010. The 2010 NFL All Stars are traveling on an eight-day, nine-base trek through the Persian Gulf on a mission to boost morale and extend their thanks to America's troops. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

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Volunteer of the Year – Second Quarter Nominees

March 6, 2010 · 1 Comment

To recognize the outstanding contributions of our volunteers, USO centers from our four operating regions—Stateside, Europe, Southwest Asia, and the Pacific—nominate a volunteer for “Volunteer of the Quarter” four times a year.  This individual has gone above and beyond in supporting our troops and demonstrating their commitment to the USO mission. From this group of outstanding volunteers a “Volunteer of the Year” is then selected for each region, and, from these nominees comes the USO Volunteer of the Year is selected and honored at our annual gala.

Here are the 2nd Quarter Volunteer Nominees!

HM1 Katherine Chih – Europe USO Volunteer of the Quarter
Hospital Corpsman First Class Katherine Chih is a familiar face at the USO Warrior Center at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. During her full-time job duties, she assists Coalition Forces, contractors and non-combat injured service members, with total patient care 12-14 hours a day, five days a week. She also is the Navy lead for the Family Readiness Group.

Despite these huge responsibilities, Katherine still finds time to serve troops by volunteering at the USO. She comes to the center during her lunch hour to assist the staff with midday Distinguished Visitors, host luncheons for the wounded or simply answer phones when staff members are busy. She has come to know many of the wounded on a personal level due to her dedication both on and off duty.  The USO Warrior Center is honored to select Katherine Chih as Volunteer of the Quarter for the Europe region.

Eric Barth – Southwest Asia USO Volunteer of the Quarter
Eric Barth is a valued member of USO Qatar. With more than 700 volunteer hours, Eric is one of the center’s most dependable. His commitment to the USO is invaluable, and his dedication is displayed in his efforts to keeping the center running smoothly at all times. As a member of the base Security Forces, Eric is on-call with the military 24-hours a day, yet spends most of his spare time volunteering with the USO.

Eric not only learned behind-the-counter processes such as checking out games and movies, but he also is instrumental in assisting service members as they tape United Through Reading® Military Program recordings. His technology expertise is helpful in ensuring that the center’s gaming stations are operating properly. Eric also is responsible for setting up Pro vs. GI Joe matches and weekly gaming tournaments, events that boost service member morale.  Eric goes above and beyond any and all expectations of what a USO volunteer stands for, and truly deserves the title of USO Southwest Asia’s Volunteer of the Quarter.

Sanae Ogawa – Pacific USO Volunteer of the Quarter
Affectionately known as “Sunny” by her peers and center colleagues, Sanae Ogawa volunteers nearly 90 hours a month to the USO. Her local connections have proved vital persuading local businesses to financially support the USO.  During the Thanksgiving holiday celebration, she volunteered to help serve more than 250 single and unaccompanied sailors. During the annual Cookie Caravan event, she helped bake and distribute more than 4,000 bags of homemade cookies.

Sanae also was an integral part of USO Sasebo’s “Christmas Talk With Your Mouth Full” event, arriving at 5:30 a.m. to help set up and feed more than 300 sailors on Christmas morning. She continuously demonstrates her commitment to the USO and our men and woen in uniform. We congratulate her on being the Pacific region’s Volunteer of the Quarter.

Herb Schmeling – United States USO Volunteer of the Quarter
USO Puget Sound Area (USO PSA) volunteer, Herb Schmeling continuously gives his all to the USO, putting our nation’s service members first. As one of the center’s most committed volunteers, he regularly gives 60-80 hours a month, and is always available at a moments notice. He represents USO PSA at Combined Federal Campaign events and Family Deployment Fairs, making sure the Fort McChord military community is aware of USO PSA’s programs and services. He was also instrumental in successful Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives, helping serve holiday meals to more than 400 military families.

Affectionately called the “Godfather of Fort Lewis,” Herb was honored for his exceptional efforts, being selected as Fort Lewis’ Volunteer of the Year for 2008.  USO PSA is extremely thankful for the commitment and enthusiasm that Herb displays on an ongoing basis. He inspires everyone around him and is an excellent pick for the Stateside Volunteer of the Quarter!

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Military Charities Complete Big Picture

March 5, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Being in the military can come with a sense of uncertainty that other professions may not necessarily relate to. “When will I deploy? Will I be promoted? (This is an important question because so much rides on it – how you are seen among your peers, and will you be forced to leave the military earlier if not selected by a promotion board). Is moving my family beneficial for our quality of life?” We are committed to the government – and if we don’t put them first, it can cost us dearly.

Turns out, my sense of pride about the military was triggered not so much by joining, but by the organizations that support them.  Moving to Washington, D.C., gave me a great perspective on the services they provide us, since most of them are headquartered here.

One of my favorites, the USO is a household name. It got that way by the incredible means in which they reach out to the military through entertainment, locally and overseas. The amenities at their USO lounges in airports and on bases are always a nice perk when I’m on travel. Their overseas shows lift the spirits of the men and women who are visited by entertainers who also care about the sacrifices they make.

An understanding community support system is essential. It may be anything from emotional support during a deployment to understanding how your GI Bill benefits work for you after new legislation is enacted. Your military comrades will certainly guide you through many things, but service members and their families have a lot of outside resources to draw from. We also have many constraints politically, which make non-profit groups that lobby for military benefits on Capitol Hill an important advocate for us.

Working with such organizations as the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and Reserve Officers Association (ROA), have helped me communicate messages to Congress that service members in uniform are normally limited to. Because of their advocacy on Capitol Hill, reservists have received pay increases, voting reform, and education enhancement.

Not only have I been on the receiving end of enjoying incentives, but on the flip-side, I had the honor of going on a morale-boosting trip to Iraq and Kuwait two years ago (provided by another company, not the USO), to visit service members. I was with the Sweethearts for Soldiers, a group of fabulous ladies who are former NFL or NBA cheerleaders.  What makes them so unique is that one of their criteria, besides having been a professional cheerleader, is to have a strong passion or tie to the military. I saw firsthand what a difference we made by meeting the troops, hearing their stories, and just being a friendly face from home.

Whether you’re just curious about what’s out there, or interested in becoming more involved, I’d encourage you to check out my blog. The side rail lists extensive links to military charities, ones that I’ve either worked with, or written about. In my postings, I try to provide an inside glimpse of what they do. There is so much that organizations are doing behind the scenes, and I believe they enhance our overall experience in the military.

Jessica is a naval officer in the reserves. She attends military events, and is involved in many non-profit charities, blogging about them in her blog, G.I. Jess. She serves on the board of Veteran Tickets Foundation and is the Jr. Naval VP for the Reserve Officers Association DC branch. The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of Jessica and do not necessarily reflect those of the USO.

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A Message from Jared Weeks, Frontman of Saving Abel

March 4, 2010 · 3 Comments

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Saving Abel – in Concert TONIGHT!

March 4, 2010 · 1 Comment

Be sure to tune in TONIGHT when the Saving Abel USO concert at Camp Arifjan is broadcast on Ustream at 10 pm EST/7 p PST!!

And check out the pics as their tour finished in Iraq…

While flying over Iraq and back to Kuwait via a C-17, Saving Abel front man Jared Weeks shows off the teddy bear given to him by his daughter that he carried on his week-long USO tour Feb. 27, 2010. On a mission to bring a touch of home to those stationed overseas, Saving Abel visited and entertained thousands of U.S. troops. (USO photo by Mike Clifton)

Saving Abel rocks out with troops stationed at Camp Speicher in Iraq on Feb. 26, 2010. Known for their radio-ready sound, memorable melodies and hard hitting tracks, the band will release their highly anticipated sophomore album in Summer of 2010. (USO photo by Mike Clifton)

Saving Abel band members Eric Taylor (L) and Jason Null (C) talk to First Sergeant Christopher Ghormley of Phoenix, AZ, while visiting Camp Sykes in Iraq on Feb. 26, 2010. This is the band's first USO tour. (USO photo by Mike Clifton)

Saving Abel band member Scott Bartlett showcases his guitar skills with one hand as Saving Abel performs a USO concert for troops stationed at Camp Speicher in Iraq on Feb. 26, 2010. This is the band's first USO tour. (USO photo by Michael Clifton.)

Rock band Saving Abel greets troops and signs autographs during a USO meet and greet at Camp Sykes on Feb. 25, 2010. In the region to extend their gratitude to troops, the band will visit three countries in just eight days. (USO photo by Mike Clifton)

Saving Abel band member Eric Taylor smiles alongside U. S. Air Force Capt. Casey Bowen (L) while on board a U. S. Air Force C-130 aircraft in route to the band's next USO tour stop at Camp Sykes in Iraq on Feb. 25, 2010. In the region as part of an eight-day, three country USO tour, Saving Abel will visit multiple bases and perform numerous shows for U.S. troops. (USO photo by Mike Clifton)

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Letters Back Home

March 3, 2010 · 7 Comments

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