To be honest, I had never given much thought to the USO (United Service Organizations). In fact, when my dearest friend Patti told me she signed on as a volunteer, I kept referring to it as the OSU (Oregon State University). Truth be told, I still have to pause and think about it whenever we talk about it.
When her son joined the Air Force, she supported him in every way she could. This alone, however, did not satify. She wanted to find a way to support our military men and women in a broader way. As a result she researched the USO – in this, I learned that the USO is much bigger than sending celebrities to entertain our troops who are overseas.
Our nation may know of Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, and Loretta Lynn, to the recent faces of Robin Williams and David Letterman. But what of the thousands of volunteers who prefer to be behind the scenes? What of these unsung heroes who give of their time, heart, and talent? Heroes like my friend Patti.
The USO is an American organization designed to connect civilians with the Armed Forces in every arena possible. There are centers all over the US where our military personnel can go to find helps of every kind. From a place to stay while in transition, to help with travel arrangements, to a good meal and fresh baked cookies. Some of the centers are located in war zones – they are makeshift buildings that supply computers, games, stationary, and emotional support.
It takes an army of volunteers to make these centers successful. From the one who loves to bake, to the one who has administration skills, to the one who has served our country in the past and knows first hand what our current soldiers are experiencing. Others knit blankets and put together care packages that are sent to those serving overseas.
I recently watched a program on TV, which followed a construction crew who had the resources to travel to Iraq. The owner of this company toured one of the makeshift centers; his heart melted when he saw a few outdated computers, some old couches, and tarps serving as room dividers for those who wanted some time alone. He designed an amazing center – filled with 15 state of the art computer gaming centers which included gaming chairs, a sound proof music room supplied with instruments, a reading room supplied with camera's and recorders, enabling soldiers to read books to their children. It was beautifully done with each volunteer giving of their resources, coming together to make a great team.
"It makes me happy to know that I am helping a soldier who comes to the center", Patti says, adding that she is encouraged knowing that there is another volunteer out there helping her son when he is in transition.
The only special skill needed to volunteer is a heart that wants to serve. Experienced volunteers offer training and work with a schedule that works for you. It must be a comfort to a soldier who walks through the door and is greeted with a smiling face – a hero's hero, in my book.
Along with time, it takes money to keep these centers up and running; those who donate in the quiet of their hearts are another group of unsung heroes.
Following is a short list of some of the basic essentials and extras that are available at these centers:
* Pre-paid phone cards
* Care packets, which include toiletries, sunscreen, and snacks
* Airport transportation
* Nursing stations – and more
If you are looking for ways to support our military men and women, I encourage you to visit the USO website to locate a center nearest you. Any financial contributions are tax-deductible, and .89 cents of every dollar goes directly to aid the soldiers.
The USO might be known for providing celebrity entertainment, but it is the every day support and behind the scenes work that makes this a great organization.
Therefore, whether you are a Bob Hope or a Patti Maddox, serving those who serve our country makes you an extraordinary person.
May God bless the work of your hands – thank you for standing in the Gap for our military personnel.
Visit WWW.USO.ORG for more detailed information.
(Dedicated to Patti Maddox – thank you for all the behind the scenes work you do in my life.)
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