Tag Archives: guest blogger

Connecting Military Teens Worldwide

Posted on September 12, 2010 by | Leave a comment

By Vernessa Neu, Founder, The Military Teen Network

The Military Teen Network recently launched MiltaryTeenOnline.com, an interactive website specifically designed for military teens.

Many of the approximately 1.4 million active duty members in the U.S. military and an additional 848,000 members of the reserve have teenagers in their household. These teens not only face the pressures of everyday life of adolescence but they face additional stress factors such as deployments, family separation, and new schools. MilitaryTeenOnline.com is an excellent way to connect these teens to other teens in the same or similar situations.

The Military Teen Network founder Vernessa Neu, 2nd from left, worked directly with Yokosuka-based teens (l-r) Dusty-Lynn Keolanui, Kennethia Smith, and Meghan Pomeroy to create MilitaryTeen.com. (Photo courtesy of Vernessa Neu)

MilitaryTeenOnline.com is an easily accessible resource that provides a variety of opportunities for teens to connect, chat, blog, and share their experiences. Other features on the site include a Military Teen’s Guide to Deployment, moving tips, forums, and duty station ratings from a teen’s perspective.

All teens, including those with parents who are active duty, reserve, and guard members are invited to become a part of the network.  You can follow us on facebook.com/militaryteen and twitter.com/militaryteen.

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Join The Military Teen Network for our first virtual roundtable discussion!
Date: Tue, Sept 14, 2010 – 8:00pm-8:45pm EST
Topics: Fast & Fatty (in honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month) and Base Teen Programs
Where: Meet in the MilitaryTeenOnline.com chat room at 8pm.
Please join us & help the community learn more about military teens’ needs.  One participant will walk away with a sponsored gift.

Vernessa Neu, is a Navy Veteran, military spouse, mother, and former military teen. She and her family currently reside in Yokosuka, Japan where Vernessa volunteers her time working with youth in the community.  The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of Vernessa Neu and do not necessarily reflect those of the USO.

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Fort Knox Cartoonist Commemorates Memorial Day and D-Day

Posted on May 28, 2010 by | 2 Comments

by Paul Boscacci, the cartoonist behind Fort Knox:

I was told over and over again that working on a daily comic strip would be challenging. So when I launched “Fort Knox” nationwide in October 2009, I was ready for anything, including the never-ending deadlines and the grueling workload. Or so I thought. I quickly learned that – as a creator of a military family comic strip – there were other things I needed to consider.

In December, I received a letter from a military veteran who asked me why I didn’t acknowledge Veterans Day or Pearl Harbor Day in the strip. Having just launched “Fort Knox”, I had a few weeks of strips that introduced the main characters and – unfortunately – they were pretty much set in stone. The letter weighed on me nonetheless, and I did some research online and found a handful of complaints against another military-focused strip that failed to acknowledge these important holidays.

So I decided to recognize as many military holidays as humanly possible. Yes, I’m a bit obsessive.

That said, I planned on doing something special for Memorial Day and D-Day. For the Memorial Day Sunday comic, I wanted to get away from my usual “cartoony” style and work with someone who could help me produce beautiful, realistic art… and I knew just the person. His name is Norman Felchle and he has worked on Superman, Batman and Spiderman comic books and also created the character designs for the celebrated “American McGee’s Alice” and “James Bond” video games for Electronic Arts. If you’re not familiar with his work, I recommend you visit his website at www.normanfelchle.com. After considering a few different directions, we decided to portray a scene from the Omaha Beach landing. The special comic will run in newspapers nationwide on Sunday, May 30th. Just for you, though, we’ve included a “sneak peek” within this blog.

As for commemorating D-Day, I decided to have Wesley Knox, the military brat who closely resembles me at seven years-old, learn about the importance of D-Day. In the story, he must write a report about that momentous day and he ends up interviewing General Wickum who lost his uncle on D-Day. These special comic strips will run from Monday, May 31st to Saturday, June 6th and will conclude with a special Sunday comic on D-day, June 6th. You can view all of the strips (past, present and future) at www.gocomics.com/fortknox and please join the rest of our military family fans on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fortknoxcomic

I am excited to help celebrate the bravery of our soldiers and look forward to many more years of providing any support I can. If you have any suggestions for future storylines, please feel free to write me at pboscacci@yahoo.com Take care!

Cartoonist Paul Boscacci is the son of an Army colonel whose tours of duty included Fort Leavenworth, Fort Jackson and Fort Knox, and who, every morning, liked to say to his fellow soldiers, “It’s a great day to be in the Army.” Boscacci was also the creative mind behind the USO’s Holiday Coloring Sheets and The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of Paul Boscacci and do not necessarily reflect those of the USO.

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Posted in Support, Troops

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The USO Dance That Changed His Life

Posted on May 7, 2010 by | 8 Comments

Today we celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day.  And our guest blogger tells the kind of tale that we love at the USO, and it seems especially appropriate with Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday.

Earl Ladewig was a young soldier heading into World War II when a chance encounter at the USO changed his life.  This is his story…

Earl and Freda Ladewig on their wedding day, May 18, 1942.

I was drafted into service on Nov 7, 1941 from Harvey, IL.  I was sent to Cheyenne, Wyo for basic training.  On Jan 1, 1942 I was sent to Lowry AFB, Denver, Co.  The greatest impact that Denver had on me was this:  I rode into town on the Colfax streetcar, and as we passed the capitol building and headed downhill to Broadway there was the City & County building of Denver lit up in all its Holiday splendor.  I had never seen a sight like that before. (Never around Chicago, were I grew up)   About two weeks after my arrival in Denver I read a notice, on the bulletin board, that the USO was sponsoring a Square Dance at the University of Colorado campus near Colorado Blvd.  I had been a square dancer for several years and loved it, and I knew that people who square danced were friendly outgoing people.  The dance was scheduled for 17 January.  I decided to go, and go I did.  During the dance I met 3 sisters who were volunteers for the USO trying to do good for the lonely servicemen.  One sister, “Freda” was exceptionally friendly and I danced almost every dance in their square.

During our talking I learned that the girls were also scheduled to attend ballroom dancing at the old Rainbow ballroom (USO sponsored).  I indicated that I would try to be there also.  I went to the dance (18 January 1942, also my 23rd birthday).  Lo and behold two of the sisters were there but Freda was not.  I was disappointed, because it seemed we were very compatible.   However, Freda had told her sisters that if I was there they were to bring me home.  (The sisters didn’t tell me why Freda wasn’t there.)  When they told me Freda asked them to bring me home, I jumped at the chance.  Turns out Freda had a date and skipped the dance.  (Incidentally I had a girl back home whom I had asked to marry me, but she said we needed to wait until I got back from service.)

So to make a long story short, I started visiting with Freda and her family every night, always had supper with them.  Freda and I became very close friends.  After we became extra close while visiting Cheesman park in April 1942, I asked her to marry me.  She hesitated and so I told her I should think about it.  A week later I asked her again and she said yes. (At this point I did not feel I had a commitment to the girl back home, these were two different personalities and Freda’s by far was most compatible to me.)  At about this time I learned that our company, to which I was assigned at Lowry, was going to be shipped out, had no idea where. (Remember WWII started on December 7, 1941)  Freda set the date to be married on May 18, 1942. (Later I learned it was her mother’s birthday.)  It was such that “We would get married on he 18th if I was still here, otherwise we would wait.”  We did get married on the 18th of May 1942 and I shipped out on the 6th of June 1942. I had a 3-day pass and we spent our honeymoon in Colorado Springs. Our company was sent to Fairbanks Alaska.

Freda and I had nine children, seven of whom are still living.  Freda died in 1996. The 54 years we had together was a wonderful loving experience.  I wish every day that Freda was still with us.   And although I know I am forgetful these days, I can not remember Freda and I ever having an argument or saying cross words to one another.

Our children are grown now, and believe me, they are a true blessing to me at age 91. just as their mother was for 54 years.

I THANK THE USO FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO MEET FREDA. – Earl

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Posted in Centers, Families, History

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Pro vs. GI Joe – Doin’ a Little for Those Who Do a Lot

Posted on April 30, 2010 by | 1 Comment

by Addie Zinone, Co-Founder of Pro vs. GI Joe

I have a love-love relationship with the USO. I love the organization as a soldier who benefits greatly from their programs and services, but I also love the USO because, through a unique and mutually beneficial partnership, my husband and I have seen our vision for connecting troops serving around the world through video games become a reality.

I’ve been in the Army Reserve since 2002. I am a Staff Sergeant assigned to the 222d Broadcast Operations Detachment in Los Angeles and I’ve served two tours of duty in Iraq. It is because of my service that my husband (who doesn’t serve) wanted to give back to those of us in uniform. One day in 2007, just a few months before my second tour began, Greg came up with the idea for Pro vs. GI Joe.

Addie Zinone - Co-founder of Pro vs. GI Joe - set up a web cam to help the troops in Baghdad prepare for the next round. (Photo courtesy of Temple University)

Pro vs. GI Joe is a non-profit organization that sets up real-time video game competitions between professional athletes and celebrities and troops serving all over the world via online gaming. In addition to playing games online, we also invite local troops to attend in-person and when possible, we get the friends and families of the troops participating overseas in on the action. Not only do the troops get to compete against their favorite celebrities and athletes but they also get to chat and talk trash via live webcam feed with them and their family members in attendance. It’s a simple idea that produces amazing results.

The reaction to Pro vs. GI Joe events has been nothing short of amazing. From the troops who participate both overseas and stateside, their family and friends, the athletes and celebrities and the USO Centers around the world, everyone seems to have a great experience. We are connecting troops to their heroes on the gridiron and hardwood – despite the thousands of miles that separate them – and we’re doing it through an activity they love – video games.

We are also making history.

Members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play Guitar Hero 5 against troops at the USO Center in Qatar, Nov 09. Family members of the troops participating from Qatar are also on hand for the event at Bucs stadium.

Together, Pro vs. GI Joe and the USO brought online gaming to troops serving in the Middle East for the very first time. Prior to this partnership, online gaming wasn’t available in combat zones. And there has never been anything like Pro vs. GI Joe, a concept that connects soldiers to their communities, in real-time through video games and webcams, from wherever they are stationed in the world. None of this would be possible without the USO and their hardworking and dedicated staff and volunteers who dedicate hours to making these events great for the troops all over the world. To date, we’ve held Pro vs. GI Joe events at USO centers in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Dubai, Japan, Korea, Qatar, Germany and of course in various centers here in the states. We’ve connected troops with athletes from the NBA, NFL, MLB, NASCAR, UFC and IRL while also attending the biggest sporting events in the world. What these events do is allow troops to relax and enjoy a few hours of fun while connecting with their family members and talking trash to their athletic heroes. They walk away with an experience only they get because they choose to wear the uniform and serve our country.

While the experience is great for the troops and their families, it’s usually greater for the athletes because they’re truly humbled by the experience. They are amazed that something so little can do so much. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the troops via webcam while they’re playing Reggie Bush and Shaquille O’Neal is pretty gratifying but seeing the tears and laughter when the game-play is over and the family reunions begin is priceless. It’s truly the reason we do what we do and it’s a privilege to work alongside the USO, an organization whose work inspires us, to continue creating life-long experiences for our military men and women serving around the world.

Click here to see the latest installment of Pro vs. GI Joe on G4′s “Attack of the Show.”  The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of Addie Zinone and do not necessarily reflect those of the USO.

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Posted in Celebrity Entertainment, Programs, Southwest Asia, Troops, US

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Operation Petal Power – Push the Petal for Military Moms

Posted on April 23, 2010 by | 10 Comments

by Michael Schindler, President of Operation Military Family

Print our this flyer to share "Petal Power" with friends and family!

“Push the petal” in your community! My friend Bruce McNichol, a nationally renowned author, came up with that clever saying as we approach May 7th, the official Military Spouse Appreciation Day when schools, businesses, churches and neighbors are encouraged to honor and appreciate military spouses across their communities – and perhaps the world.

Operation Military Family, headquartered in the Seattle area, teamed up with the USO, headquartered in Arlington, VA to bring “Operation Petal Power” to life. So, what exactly is “OPP?”

Simply put, it is a very simple and effective way for friends, families, neighbors, associates to say “thank you” to our military spouses on May 7th, by dropping a virtual flower on the door step of a military spouse – all in the tradition of May Day.

A little back story on May Day:  May Day dates WAY back, even before the time of Christ; it really is a centuries old tradition that was embraced by the Romans. See, the beginning of May was a very popular feast time for the Romans. As one website shared, “It was devoted primarily to the worship of Flora, the goddess of flowers.” (In Seattle, we embrace the month of May just because we see the sun!) It was in her honor a five day celebration, called the Floralia, was held. The five day festival would start from April 28 and end on May 2. The Romans brought in the rituals of the Floralia festival in the British Isles.

Throughout Europe children would celebrate the days by moving back and forth around the “May Pole” with colorful streamers, choosing a May queen, and hanging May baskets on the doorknobs of folks.

Have kids print out and color this for a Military Mom, or share it virtually for Mother's Day!

Here in the states, though this celebration wasn’t widely embraced, when I was a little trouble maker, I remember dropping flowers on the neighbor’s door step, banging on their door and running like mad – it made for good, clean fun. And so the USO and OMF are encouraging children and adults alike to embrace an old tradition in honor of our military spouses.

So help us honor and salute military spouses on May 7th by leaving a flower on a military spouse’s doorstep, mailing them a paper flower made by your children or school, or emailing them a virtual flower – you can download all the information and the “flowers” from both www.USO.org or www.OperationMilitaryFamily.org.

All of us who have served our country know that often it is the spouse at home that deserves just as much, if not more, recognition for their service and sacrifice – so, “Push the Petal” and bring a smile to a deserving military spouse on May 7th.

Michael is the president of Operation Military Family, a defense contractor that provides military relationship strengthening workshops, seminars and curricula, a Navy veteran, contributing writer to several national publications, and the author of the book “Operation Military Family” which is endorsed by Gen (ret) Tommy Franks, former C-I-C U.S. Central Command.  He also serves as the Director for Military Marriages and Healthy Relationships under the Foundation for Healthy Relationships, a non-profit started by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, nationally recognized relationship experts.  The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of Michael Schindler and do not necessarily reflect those of the USO.

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Posted in Families, Recognition, Support

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USO Girls and Their Volunteer Experience

Posted on April 20, 2010 by | 4 Comments

Caroline (L) and Jamie (R) are the USO Girls. They pose here with a servicemember who's passing through the DFW USO.

Some of the most prolific military bloggers are volunteers with organizations that support the Troops.  We’re especially proud of “USO Girls,” two women who volunteer at the Dallas-Fort Worth USO (well, one now; the other gal recently moved) and share the stories of staff, other volunteers, and – most importantly, the Troops and their families who travel through the center.

As part of our continuing celebration of National Volunteer Week, we bringing this special guest blog from the USO Girls – we hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

We are Jamie and Caroline and we are just two of the hundreds of people who volunteer at the USO at the Dallas/Ft Worth airport. We have volunteered for over 4 years, on weekends, hosting active duty, retirees, and families of our service members.  We have loved every minute of it and it has become a very important part of our lives.  We both have great parents who raised us right and taught us the importance of loving our country and the men and women who protect and defend it. We both wanted to do something to show our appreciation but we weren’t sure how or where to start.

We did research and found the USO. We work in the USO center on Saturdays where service members have the opportunity to watch a movie, enjoy snacks, check email, take a nap, or just kick back and relax.

A servicemember is welcomed home by the USO and greeted by his family during R&R.

The DFW USO also has a unique opportunity to serve our troops through the R&R program. Each day volunteers welcome home a group of soldiers coming home for their two weeks of R&R from Iraq and Afghanistan. We also have a flight that leaves every day going back. They fly to DFW after they have finished up their two weeks of rest. There is a group of volunteers every day for each flight that hang out at the sendoff gate, handing out snacks and water.

We also have the United Through Reading program, it’s a great way for soldiers to keep in contact with their children. We record them reading a book and then we send the DVD and book to their kids so they can read along with the parent while they are deployed. We’ve had so many great experiences through the years and so many memories. From a five year old talking to us over an ice cream cone how excited he was to talk to his daddy on the phone who was overseas to meeting an Airman on his way to Iraq who talked about his wonderful girlfriend, hoping they would make it through his deployment and then seeing him a year after he returned home, telling us he is on his way to propose to her.

The USO and the volunteers has become our second family. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve had service members thank us for just being there. All it takes is a few hours of your time. It’s worth it, we promise!

The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the USO Girls and do not necessarily reflect those of the USO.

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