Monthly Archives: April 2011

USO Supports White House, First Lady Obama, Dr. Biden in Joining Forces Initiative

Posted on April 13, 2011 by | Leave a comment

The USO is proud to be in support of the White House and First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s new initiative, Joining Forces. Joining Forces has been enacted to strengthen and support military families as they continue to provide beacons for our service men and women.

To take part in the initiative, Americans are being asked to send Messages of Thanks to military families, share their Stories of Support that detail how they have supported military families and participate in volunteer opportunities in their neighborhood that will help strengthen the military community.

“Joining Forces was created to recognize and serve our nation’s extraordinary military families who, like their loved ones in uniform, serve and sacrifice so much so that we can live in freedom and security,” said Mrs. Obama in a released statement. “This is a challenge to every segment of American society not to simply say thank you but to mobilize, take action and make a real commitment to supporting our military families.”

Dr. Biden echoed Mrs. Obama’s sentiments.

“There are so many ways that every American can lend a hand and make a difference,” said Dr. Biden in a released statement. “We have met individuals and groups across this country who are supporting our troops and their families and showing all Americans that there are countless ways to help — some large and many small. But all important. And I can tell you from personal experience, all appreciated. That is why we are here today — and why Michelle and I are trying to rally American communities to join us.”

USO President Sloan Gibson expressed how thrilled the USO is to be a part of the new initiative.

“For 70 years, the USO has been hard at work lifting the spirits of America’s troops and their families serving around the world,” Gibson said. “We’re delighted to support the Joining Forces initiative and continue to educate Americans about the key issues facing military families — education, employment and wellness. The USO applauds the White House and encourages all American’s to take action and make a meaningful difference for our military families.”

Read more at USO.org

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Posted in Families, Programs, Support

New Dunkin’ Donuts Reward Program Contributes to USO

Posted on April 7, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Thanks to Dunkin’ Donuts, filling up with tasty treats and delicious drinks will benefit more than just customers’ empty stomachs. The popular coffee and baked goods stop is launching DD Perks Rewards, a free program that allows customers to accumulate “Dunkin’ Dollars” while simultaneously give back to American troops.

For every $20 spent, Dunkin’ Donuts will give registered customers $2 back to their Dunkin’ Donuts Card and from April 5-12, Dunkin’ Donuts will donate $1 to The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation to benefit the USO. The total donation can top out at $10,000 and Chief Global Customer and Marketing Officer at Dunkin’ Brands John Costello is pleased to bolster his company’s history of supporting our nation’s military and their families.

Learn more at USO.org!

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Posted in Donations

ACM, USO Returned to Nellis Air Force Base

Posted on April 5, 2011 by | 2 Comments

Blake Sheldon at the second annual Academy of Country Music/USO concert event at Nellis Air Force Base April 2, 2011. (USO Photo by Fred Greaves)

The Academy of Country Music and the USO partnered for the second time to provide a free concert to military members and their families at Nellis Air Force Base on April 2.

The second annual event featured ACM Awards Co-Host Blake Shelton and many country music artists, including Montgomery Gentry, Little Big Town, Craig Morgan, Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge and Sunny Sweeney. Storme Warren, host of Great American Country’s “Headline Country,” emceed.

“We can’t do enough to convey our thanks to our troops and their families for all they do to protect the freedoms we, as Americans, enjoy daily,” said John Pray, USO’s senior vice president of entertainment and programs. “Lifting spirits is what the USO is all about and we are honored to be collaborating with the Academy of Country Music and the incredible team at Nellis Air Force Base for the second consecutive year to help host another morale-boosting concert featuring some of country music’s most talented artists. This is a very special event.”

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Posted in Celebrity Entertainment, Troops

The USO <3s Toby Keith

Posted on April 4, 2011 by | 4 Comments

Toby Keith is an American singer-songwriter and entertainer with multiple No. 1 albums and even more Top Ten hits! He has fans young and old and near and far, but some of his biggest are here at the USO!

Since his first tour, Toby Keith has traveled to more than 17 countries, including Korea, Germany and the Persian Gulf and has lifted the spirits of more than 140,000 service men and women, many at small remote outposts. “I’ve been traveling with the USO since 2002, and every year I look forward to spending time with the men and women who serve this great country. When I get on stage and look out into a crowd of uniforms, it gives me a great sense of pride to know that I am giving back to them,” Toby has said.

Not only has he gone on eight USO tours, but he actually has some pretty good ideas at times! While visiting troops in Afghanistan, Keith recognized the need to deliver the day-to-day comforts of home to service members stationed far away from main bases and USO Centers. His idea became known as the “USO2GO” program, which sends much-needed electronics, entertainment, comfort food and more to those stationed in remote locations. While he has a non-stop schedule, I got a chance to ask him a few questions:

What made you want to begin touring for the USO?
After my father died, I wanted to do something in honor of him being a veteran. I went one time and it became a labor of love – I’ve been going every [year] since. It’s going on a decade now… two weeks at a time.

What’s your fondest memory while on a USO tour?
I have so many great memories, it would be hard to single one out. They’re all great!

If you could say one thing to all the men and women serving our country right now, what would it be?
Thank you for your wonderful service. You folks continue to guarantee my family and loved ones all of our freedom and security. Carry on… Godspeed.

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Posted in Celebrity Entertainment