[caption id=“attachment_12503” align=“aligncenter” width=“451”]Troops and family members celebrate at a USO Guam homecoming celebration in April. USO photo Troops and family members mingle at a USO Guam homecoming celebration in April. USO photo[/caption]

They were there when they left. And there when they came home, too.

USO Guam got a big hat tip from the Guam National Guard this week, when it was presented the service’s Center of Influence Award for its work with troops and families during Operation Enduring Freedom. The award specifically covered USO Guam’s actions over the last two years of deployments, recognizing the center's constant support of both Guam National Guard troops and their families through deployment and homecoming ceremonies, USO center services and additional family support.

The award was presented Sunday during an official retreat ceremony at Guam National Guard Headquarters in Barrigada, Guam.

This isn't the first time the military has recognized USO Guam’s support. Read here about how USO Guam turned into a temporary hotel for 41 stranded Marines over the summer.