Daily Archives: December 13, 2009

Community Strong Photo Album

The Community Strong event at Ford Hood last Friday was a smashing success.  We’d like to thank everyone who came out to support the men, women, and children of Fort Hood on a day of remembrance and celebration.  The effervescent spirit of this community cannot be denied!

We are especially proud of our own USO employees and volunteers from the Killeen, TX, area.  As the Killeen Daily Herald so eloquently put it, “…on Friday, the community that so recently joined together in mourning now came together in celebration of life and a bright future. The show of support and kindness particularly from those wearing the very recognizable USO logo was nearly overwhelming.”  And we couldn’t have done it without your support!

It’s not too late to leave a message for at the usocommunitystrong.org website.  And your donations will continue to support those most in need in the Fort Hood Community.  Again, a TREMENDOUS thank you goes out to all the celebrity entertainers, participants, attendees, and behind-the-scenes movers and shakers who make Friday such an overwhelming success.  Fort Hood is and will continue to be “Community Strong”!

(USO Photos by Mark Matson)

Sloan Gibson…from the Sidelines of the Army-Navy Game!

Sure, Navy won – again! – against Army in this most beloved of football games, but did you notice that guy on the sidelines?  You know, USO’s very own CEO and President, Sloan Gibson?  Sure, he might have attended West Point, but he has a special message for everybody watching the game!

Wreaths Across America

On Sautrday, December 12th, families and volunteers gathered at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, to pay tribute at the annual Wreaths Across America. More than 16,000 wreaths were placed in Sections 2, 9, 31, 32, 37, and 60.

This marks the 18th year in a row that the Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, has donated the balsam fir holiday wreaths, which were laid at thousands of grave sites across the country with the goal to “remember, honor and teach” about the service and sacrifices of this nation’s veterans.

To learn more about this annual event, and how you can participate, visit Wreaths Across America‘s website.

UPDATE: Read more about Wreaths Across America from CNN, the Detroit Free Press, and the Washington Post.

(USO photos by Bill Auth)