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| USO Center in Hawthorne NV |
We're a military family representing all branches of service. Few organizations have made as much of an impression on us as the non-profit, non-political USO. It's been around for over 70 years with permanent facilities in 27 states and 14 countries. In addition, celebrities participate in USO shows to provide entertainment and a brief respite from duty to personnel and their families. Neal McCoy, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope,
Robin Williams, and Gary Lewis and the Playboys are just a few of familiar names that have donated their efforts and time to the organization.
I remember a smiling group of women offering coffee, punch, sandwiches, and cookies while waiting at the airport in Seattle for my plane to Korea. The friendly ambiance of the lounge provided a wonderful opportunity to relax and watch TV before the long flight.
An event I will always remember is the group of Korean country-western singers at the Osan AFB USO Center. The Grand Old Opry-style presentation was part of their warmup tour. It truly did help provide a sense of home away from home to US military personnel.
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| Robin Williams in Italy with the USO |
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| Bob Hope at Lackland AFB |
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| Gary Lewis and the Playboys |
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| Bing Crosby USO show during WW II |
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| Robin Williams |
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| Neal McCoy during USO tour in Iraq |
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What better way to celebrate Thankful Thursday than by remembering the individuals and groups that get up and do for others rather than sitting down and wondering what can be done?
Has a volunteer agency or individual made an impact on your life?
My husband is a vet and the USO has been so good to him over the years. They are truly an amazing organization!
ReplyDeleteI love the USO. Our servicemen and women are doing a physically and mentally demanding job, and it's nice that celebrities help make it easier.
ReplyDeleteThe USO does such great work. I'm so glad they're around to bring joy to the men and women who do the hardest job of all.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty great how far above and beyond they go. They have such a long history of helping out.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a high school thesis paper on the USO, and the amazing contributions it has made. Such a wonderful organization.
ReplyDeleteThe USO does such amazing work. It is awesome to see so many celebrities supporting our service men and women.
ReplyDeleteI think this is an awesome post. I do administrative volunteer work for a local place from time to time. It impacts me more than I could ever help make an impact for them.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! USO really does awesome work. I don't know much about US stuff but that I do know! - jeanine
ReplyDeleteThe USO is a great organization. They do so much to help entertain and comfort our military members.
ReplyDeleteI have a few wonderful veterans in my life but never knew of the USO until this post. How touching that an organization can give back for over 70 years!
ReplyDeleteI love how the USO steps up to help out those who serve our country! What an amazing organization!
ReplyDeleteI always love when i hear of a celebrity going to perform for the troops. They are doing such a hard job. It must be nice to just laugh.
ReplyDeleteI used to volunteer for the USO, but once I had my son it became really hard.
ReplyDeleteI am glad the USO was there to support you and your family. Volunteering is definitely a gift to both the give and the receiver.
ReplyDeleteI recently lost a dear friend that was in WWII.. he was a man that made me appreciate the military even more. I had no idea the USO has been around for over 70 years! Wow!
ReplyDeleteMy uncle who vietnam vet is someone I am grateful for. Unfortunately he was exposed to Agent Orange and is now battling cancer.
ReplyDeleteAll of my volunteer work as been through various animal charities, rescues and events. My family however has a few vets and plenty of folks involved in multiple military organizations.
ReplyDeleteI love taking the time to think about what Memorial Day is really all about.
ReplyDeleteGreat way to celebrate Memorial Day. What a wonderful way to support the USO
ReplyDeleteUSO is outstanding. Always there for our service men and women.
ReplyDeleteThe USO is amazing. I have loved your military-focused posts this week too.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend in the USO and he loves his job! He is stationed in the middle east. It is such a valuable organization and a blessing to military personnel.
ReplyDeleteMy father-in-law does a lot with the USO. He's retired Air-force. My son is Army. Such an awesome organization!
ReplyDeleteThe USO does such great work. A huge thanks to your family for their service!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. It is so nice to hear that USO was there to support you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great post. It wasn't that long ago that I learned what the USO was. That's so awesome that they were there to support you and your family.
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