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As the summer draws to a close, USO centers around the world were busy hosting events to lift the spirits of troops and their families. Here’s a look at a few of the fantastic moments from USO centers around the world:
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Joan Rivers visits USO Denver. USO photo.[/caption]
Joan Rivers Makes Surprise Visit to USO Denver Long-time USO supporter Joan Rivers paid a surprise visit to USO Denver last Wednesday morning and made sure each guest, volunteer and staff member knew how much she appreciated them. Rivers was the 2001 USO of Metropolitan New York’s Woman of the Year.
“Thank you for your service,” Rivers told the group.
Military Kids Hit the Field at the Be a San Diego Padre for a Day Event The USO partnered with Petco Park and the Padres to give military kids a Major League experience. Several local kids from military families spent the day practicing baseball fundamentals, talking with former Padre Damian Jackson and learning all about what it would be like to be a Major League Baseball player. Check out the video from the event here.
Sixth Annual Clark After Dark in Chicago The USO of Illinois took to the streets Thursday night for its sixth annual Clark After Dark block party. Thanks to the support of Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward, Boss Bar and other USO partners, partygoers enjoyed live music, military vehicle displays and plenty of food. Despite the rainy weather, Chicagoans came out in full force to support their troops and show appreciation.
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Heidi Murkoff smiles with an expectant military mother. USO photo.[/caption]
USO/What to Expect Special Delivery Baby Shower in Fort Drum, New York On Friday, the USO and the What to Expect Foundation, founded by best-selling author Heidi Murkoff, delivered a special baby shower to expecting military spouses and service women stationed in Fort Drum, New York. The moms-to-be enjoyed an afternoon filled with shower games, food, a raffle and a question-and-answer session with Murkoff, who wrote the best-selling book “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.”
Second Annual H2GO in Okinawa, Japan There aren’t many stickier places on the planet than the South Pacific in the summer, where near-100-degree temperatures are coupled with crippling humidity. To help troops and their families stationed in Okinawa beat the heat and stay in shape, volunteers at USO Kadena created H2GO, a 5K foot race with water-themed obstacles along the route.
The H2GO race let participants enjoy slip-n-slides, water cannons and the soaking power of over 20,000 water balloons.
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Girls show off their nails and face paintings at Sun and Fun day with USO Kaiserslautern. USO photo.[/caption]
Sixth Annual Sun and Fun Day in Kaiserslautern, Germany As the dog days of summer come to an end, Kaiserslautern USO and TKS hosted the sixth annual Sun and Fun Day for troops and their families to help them enjoy the last of the warm weather. Despite some rain, over 2,300 visitors came out to enjoy the five-hour event that included food, raffles, live music and search-and-rescue dog demos.
Troops Get Their Game on at Camp Buehring Volleyball Tournament Service members rallied their way to victory at a volleyball tournament Saturday night in Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Troops were able to form teams of six and compete for prizes – all while jamming out to the beats of DJ Break One. The winning teams were even awarded victory T-shirts!
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.
