(StatePoint) When you think about the USO, you likely think about entertainment tours or airport lounges, but the organization’s scope is much wider than that.
USO programs support service members and their families stationed in the United States and overseas, as well as service members training in isolated locations or deployed to areas around the world. Each program meets a specific need to ease the isolation and loneliness of military life — during times away from loved ones, during moves and deployments, and when returning to civilian communities.
With more than 250 locations worldwide, including on military installations, at airports, and on board Navy ships, USO Centers offer ways for service members to connect with each other and with their families far away. These centers provide free Wi-Fi, computers, televisions and gaming equipment, and organize events and activities designed to strengthen morale. For example, through the USO Reading program, service members can record themselves reading a book for the children in their lives.
For service members and military families who are stationed or deployed in remote locations, Mobile USO vehicles travel thousands of miles to provide many of the services of a traditional, brick-and-mortar USO Center.
Examples of USO programs include:
The USO Canine Program
The USO Canine Program acknowledges the strong bond between humans and animals, and the critical role dogs play within the military community, addressing diverse mental, emotional and physical needs. Through interactions with certified therapy dogs at USO events and USO Centers, service members and their families experience the profound emotional support that only a four-legged friend can offer. The USO Canine Volunteer of the Year competition recognizes outstanding contributions from USO therapy dogs and their handlers.
USO Gaming
The USO Gaming Program allows service members to forge bonds with fellow service members, stay connected to loved ones back home and take time to recharge through the simple act of playing a video game. Many USO Centers are outfitted with top-of-the-line screens and consoles, designed specifically so that groups of service members can play games and bond together. The USO also hosts gaming tournaments like the annual USO-NFL Salute to Service Tournament, in which service members around the world compete in EA SPORTS Madden NFL video games, with the winners receiving tickets to attend the Super Bowl.
With military life comes many challenges. However, these programs strengthen and support service members and their families at every step of their military journey.
