Posted on Feb 4, 2018
This Day In History 2-4-1941 Pres Roosevelt Started The U.S.O.
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Note : This video is from two years ago.
History of the USO
President Franklin Roosevelt conceived an organization--the USO--for the singular, but enduring purpose of reaching out directly from the American people to those in military uniforms who serve them. Non-governmental, but civilian and voluntary in make-up, the organization would serve as a link of compassion and reassurance from the ordinary citizen, that America cares, remembers, and supports the service and sacrifice of those who defend her. It would deliver morale enhancing programs and services around the world. Put simply, through its unique and selfless personality and character, the USO would deliver "America" to those far from home.
Throughout World War II, USO was the channel for community participation in the war effort. In over 3,000 communities, USO centers were established to become the G.I.'s "Home Away From Home". Between 1940 and 1944, U.S. troops grew from 50,000 to 12 million and their need for a variety of services grew accordingly. USO facilities were quickly opened in such unlikely places as churches, log cabins, museums, castles, barns, beach and yacht clubs, railroad sleeping cars, old mansions and storefronts.
USO programs were as varied as the places that housed them. While most aimed to provide off-duty recreation for the mostly male and fairly young service personnel, some were designed for women in uniform, while others provided child care for military wives. USO's could be many things to many people: a lively place to dance and meet people; a place to see movies or find religious counsel; a quiet place to talk or write letters; or, of course, the place to go for free coffee and doughnuts.
The USO truly made history when it came to entertaining the troops. From 1941 to 1947, USO Camp Shows presented an amazing 428,521 performances. There were sometimes 700 or more performances each day, all over the world. Over 7,000 entertainers, "brave soldiers in greasepaint" traveled overseas, from the biggest movie stars to unknown vaudevillians. Some never returned, having fallen beside the fighting men or perished en route in plane crashes. By the end of the second World War, the USO could claim that more than 1.5 million volunteers had worked on its behalf.
In the 1970's when the draft ended, the need for USO was questioned; but after reviewing its programs, it was decided to keep it. The USO was launched into a new era of peacetime service. Programs were developed to smooth frictions between military and local communities and for the first time, the USO helped those leaving the service make the transition to civilian life. Its headquarters moved from New York to Washington, D.C. in 1975.
Throughout the 80's USO increased its scope of peacetime services and expanded its family focus. Today's composition of the U.S. Armed Forces has changed dramatically, not primarily single and male; but 10.5% female and frequently married. Over 50% of today's military are 18-25 and married with children. USO entertainment in the 80's retained its stellar reputation with superstars from all phases of the entertainment industry.
The 1990's, with the U.S.troops being deployed to the desert for at least 6 months at a time, and the Persian Gulf War, challenged USO to meet the needs of our troops in unique circumstances. USO opened 3 new centers in the Middle East and established the USO Mobile Canteen Program. They are 4-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicles that have refreshments, books, magazines, video and cd players for recreational activities. USO workers drove the vans to wherever the troops were deployed to provide some relief from the heat and boredom.
The USO currently operates more than 160 centers worldwide; 77 overseas and 83 stateside. USOs in 10 countries and 22 states utilize the services of some 12,000 volunteers, from those who serve on the World Board of Governors, the USO's governing body, to those who dish up Thanksgiving dinners to USO guests.
The USO operates 78 Family and Community Centers to help military families adjust to new surroundings with info. on childcare co-ops, employment opportunities, parenting, nutrition, budgeting and recreational programs.
Today, USO Celebrity Entertainment shows are effective morale boosters and remain the best-known of USO's offerings. Even in peacetime, entertainers provide a much-needed break in the midst of duty tours overseas.
Even though the Cold War is over, a high number of our armed forces serve in conflicts and crises around the world. The once clearly defined enemy has become blurred in the minds of many in America. The mood of the nation--certain or uncertain; supportive or lacking in support-- transmits directly to those in uniform. The need to know that America cares continues to be as important as ingredient of confidence and effectiveness as it ever has been. Put simply, today, as it has for six decades, and for as far into the future as anyone can see, the singular mission of the USO continues.
http://missionbf.tripod.com/USO.html#
http://1940s.org/founded-in-the-1940s-history-of-the-uso
https://www.uso.org/about
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Service_Organizations
Additional video footage :
https://youtu.be/fIceAvbRO74
https://youtu.be/ViSzH-7pVHs
@ col mikel COL Mikel J. Burroughs @ ltc stephen LTC Stephen C. LTC Stephen F. @ maj william Maj William W. 'Bill' Price @ capt tom Capt Tom Brown Maj Marty Hogan @ smsgt doc SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas @ tsgt joe TSgt Joe C. SrA Christopher B. @ msg andrew MSG Andrew White SSG Robert Webster Sgt Randy Wilber @ sgt jim SGT Jim Arnold @ sgt david SGT (Join to see) SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth @ sp5 mark SP5 Mark Kuzinski @ cpl dave CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins PO1 William "Chip" Nagel PO1 Tony Holland
History of the USO
President Franklin Roosevelt conceived an organization--the USO--for the singular, but enduring purpose of reaching out directly from the American people to those in military uniforms who serve them. Non-governmental, but civilian and voluntary in make-up, the organization would serve as a link of compassion and reassurance from the ordinary citizen, that America cares, remembers, and supports the service and sacrifice of those who defend her. It would deliver morale enhancing programs and services around the world. Put simply, through its unique and selfless personality and character, the USO would deliver "America" to those far from home.
Throughout World War II, USO was the channel for community participation in the war effort. In over 3,000 communities, USO centers were established to become the G.I.'s "Home Away From Home". Between 1940 and 1944, U.S. troops grew from 50,000 to 12 million and their need for a variety of services grew accordingly. USO facilities were quickly opened in such unlikely places as churches, log cabins, museums, castles, barns, beach and yacht clubs, railroad sleeping cars, old mansions and storefronts.
USO programs were as varied as the places that housed them. While most aimed to provide off-duty recreation for the mostly male and fairly young service personnel, some were designed for women in uniform, while others provided child care for military wives. USO's could be many things to many people: a lively place to dance and meet people; a place to see movies or find religious counsel; a quiet place to talk or write letters; or, of course, the place to go for free coffee and doughnuts.
The USO truly made history when it came to entertaining the troops. From 1941 to 1947, USO Camp Shows presented an amazing 428,521 performances. There were sometimes 700 or more performances each day, all over the world. Over 7,000 entertainers, "brave soldiers in greasepaint" traveled overseas, from the biggest movie stars to unknown vaudevillians. Some never returned, having fallen beside the fighting men or perished en route in plane crashes. By the end of the second World War, the USO could claim that more than 1.5 million volunteers had worked on its behalf.
In the 1970's when the draft ended, the need for USO was questioned; but after reviewing its programs, it was decided to keep it. The USO was launched into a new era of peacetime service. Programs were developed to smooth frictions between military and local communities and for the first time, the USO helped those leaving the service make the transition to civilian life. Its headquarters moved from New York to Washington, D.C. in 1975.
Throughout the 80's USO increased its scope of peacetime services and expanded its family focus. Today's composition of the U.S. Armed Forces has changed dramatically, not primarily single and male; but 10.5% female and frequently married. Over 50% of today's military are 18-25 and married with children. USO entertainment in the 80's retained its stellar reputation with superstars from all phases of the entertainment industry.
The 1990's, with the U.S.troops being deployed to the desert for at least 6 months at a time, and the Persian Gulf War, challenged USO to meet the needs of our troops in unique circumstances. USO opened 3 new centers in the Middle East and established the USO Mobile Canteen Program. They are 4-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicles that have refreshments, books, magazines, video and cd players for recreational activities. USO workers drove the vans to wherever the troops were deployed to provide some relief from the heat and boredom.
The USO currently operates more than 160 centers worldwide; 77 overseas and 83 stateside. USOs in 10 countries and 22 states utilize the services of some 12,000 volunteers, from those who serve on the World Board of Governors, the USO's governing body, to those who dish up Thanksgiving dinners to USO guests.
The USO operates 78 Family and Community Centers to help military families adjust to new surroundings with info. on childcare co-ops, employment opportunities, parenting, nutrition, budgeting and recreational programs.
Today, USO Celebrity Entertainment shows are effective morale boosters and remain the best-known of USO's offerings. Even in peacetime, entertainers provide a much-needed break in the midst of duty tours overseas.
Even though the Cold War is over, a high number of our armed forces serve in conflicts and crises around the world. The once clearly defined enemy has become blurred in the minds of many in America. The mood of the nation--certain or uncertain; supportive or lacking in support-- transmits directly to those in uniform. The need to know that America cares continues to be as important as ingredient of confidence and effectiveness as it ever has been. Put simply, today, as it has for six decades, and for as far into the future as anyone can see, the singular mission of the USO continues.
http://missionbf.tripod.com/USO.html#
http://1940s.org/founded-in-the-1940s-history-of-the-uso
https://www.uso.org/about
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Service_Organizations
Additional video footage :
https://youtu.be/fIceAvbRO74
https://youtu.be/ViSzH-7pVHs
@ col mikel COL Mikel J. Burroughs @ ltc stephen LTC Stephen C. LTC Stephen F. @ maj william Maj William W. 'Bill' Price @ capt tom Capt Tom Brown Maj Marty Hogan @ smsgt doc SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas @ tsgt joe TSgt Joe C. SrA Christopher B. @ msg andrew MSG Andrew White SSG Robert Webster Sgt Randy Wilber @ sgt jim SGT Jim Arnold @ sgt david SGT (Join to see) SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth @ sp5 mark SP5 Mark Kuzinski @ cpl dave CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins PO1 William "Chip" Nagel PO1 Tony Holland
USO
WWII World War Two
Hollywood
American History
Morale
Posted 7 y ago
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Great org that doesn't get enough recognition many times
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SrA Christopher Wright Sgt Randy Wilber SGT Gregory Lawritson Cpl (Join to see) Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth LTC (Join to see) MSG Frederick Otero SFC Pete Kain SSG David Andrews LCDR (Join to see) PO1 Tony Holland SCPO Morris Ramsey SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Jim Arnold SFC William H. PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SGT Charles H. Hawes SFC Craig Dalen CPL Dave Hoover
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SrA Christopher Wright Sgt Randy Wilber SGT Gregory Lawritson Cpl (Join to see) Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth LTC (Join to see) MSG Frederick Otero SFC Pete Kain SSG David Andrews LCDR (Join to see) PO1 Tony Holland SCPO Morris Ramsey SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Jim Arnold SFC William H. PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SGT Charles H. Hawes SFC Craig Dalen CPL Dave Hoover
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Thanks for reminding us SGT John " Mac " McConnell that on February 4, 1991 President Franklin Roosevelt sought to unite several service associations into one organization to lift the morale of our military and nourish support on the home front. Those entities – the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board - became the United Service Organizations or, the USO.
The mission of the USO is "The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation."
"For over 76 years, the USO has been the nation’s leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, and their families, throughout their time in uniform. From the moment they join, through their assignments and deployments, and as they transition back to their communities, the USO is always by their side.
Today’s USO continuously adapts to the needs of our men and women in uniform and their families, so they can focus on their very important mission. We operate USO centers at or near military installations across the United States and throughout the world, including in combat zones, and even un-staffed USO service sites in places too dangerous for anyone but combat troops to occupy.
USO airport centers throughout the country offer around-the clock hospitality for traveling service members and their families. Our trademark USO tours bring America and its celebrities to service members who are assigned far from home, to entertain them and convey the support of the nation. And our many specialized programs offer a continuum support to service members throughout their journey of service, from the first time they don the uniform until they last time they take it off.
The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection.
History
Just prior to the onset of America’s involvement in World War II in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to unite several service associations into one organization to lift the morale of our military and nourish support on the home front. Those entities – the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board - became the United Service Organizations or, the USO.
Today, the USO has continued to support our nation’s military and their families for over seven decades as they defend our country and its freedoms. By providing support to our servicemen and women as they perform their most challenging duties around the world, our credo is to be always by their side.
The reach of the USO’s more than 200 centers extends to countries on every continent, operated by thousands of staff and volunteers whose goals are to match our service members’ vigilance and provide best-in-class service to those who sacrifice so much for America.
Leadership
Led by CEO and President Dr. J.D. Crouch II, the USO’s staff and thousands of dedicated volunteers operate more than 200 centers worldwide. This team, along with the USO Board of Governors, brings knowledge and expertise essential to the USO’s ability to deliver high-quality programs and services to our men and women in uniform, wherever they serve.
Dr. J.D. Crouch II, CEO & President
Paul G. Allvin, Senior Vice President, Brand Advancement
Lisa Turner Anastasi, Senior Vice President, Development and Chief Development Officer
Tammy L. Heiser, Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Lorie Hennessey, Senior Vice President, Entertainment
Virginia H. Johnson, Senior Vice President, Government Relations and External Affairs
Philip A. Parisi, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Alan J. Reyes, Senior Vice President, Operations and Programs
USO Board of Governors
USO Congressional Caucus
The USO Congressional Caucus was formed in 2003 to enhance the outreach efforts of the American people to U.S. service members and their families, providing another critical link between service members and their representatives. Bipartisan and bicameral, the caucus brings together members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives who have a mutually shared interest in supporting and improving the lives of our service members and their families.
With more than 200 members, the USO Congressional Caucus unites our leaders and helps strengthen the bridge that supports our military by keeping America’s service members connected to family, home and country.
The USO Congressional Caucus is led by Rep. Tim Walz (DFL-MN), who serves as Honorary Co-Chair. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) serve as Co-Chairs."
https://www.uso.org/about
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Wayne Brandon LTC Bill Koski Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown Maj Marty Hogan MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSgt Robert Marx PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SGT Robert George SP5 Mark Kuzinski SP5 Robert Ruck SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Charles H. Hawes SGT (Join to see)
The mission of the USO is "The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation."
"For over 76 years, the USO has been the nation’s leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, and their families, throughout their time in uniform. From the moment they join, through their assignments and deployments, and as they transition back to their communities, the USO is always by their side.
Today’s USO continuously adapts to the needs of our men and women in uniform and their families, so they can focus on their very important mission. We operate USO centers at or near military installations across the United States and throughout the world, including in combat zones, and even un-staffed USO service sites in places too dangerous for anyone but combat troops to occupy.
USO airport centers throughout the country offer around-the clock hospitality for traveling service members and their families. Our trademark USO tours bring America and its celebrities to service members who are assigned far from home, to entertain them and convey the support of the nation. And our many specialized programs offer a continuum support to service members throughout their journey of service, from the first time they don the uniform until they last time they take it off.
The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection.
History
Just prior to the onset of America’s involvement in World War II in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to unite several service associations into one organization to lift the morale of our military and nourish support on the home front. Those entities – the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board - became the United Service Organizations or, the USO.
Today, the USO has continued to support our nation’s military and their families for over seven decades as they defend our country and its freedoms. By providing support to our servicemen and women as they perform their most challenging duties around the world, our credo is to be always by their side.
The reach of the USO’s more than 200 centers extends to countries on every continent, operated by thousands of staff and volunteers whose goals are to match our service members’ vigilance and provide best-in-class service to those who sacrifice so much for America.
Leadership
Led by CEO and President Dr. J.D. Crouch II, the USO’s staff and thousands of dedicated volunteers operate more than 200 centers worldwide. This team, along with the USO Board of Governors, brings knowledge and expertise essential to the USO’s ability to deliver high-quality programs and services to our men and women in uniform, wherever they serve.
Dr. J.D. Crouch II, CEO & President
Paul G. Allvin, Senior Vice President, Brand Advancement
Lisa Turner Anastasi, Senior Vice President, Development and Chief Development Officer
Tammy L. Heiser, Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Lorie Hennessey, Senior Vice President, Entertainment
Virginia H. Johnson, Senior Vice President, Government Relations and External Affairs
Philip A. Parisi, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Alan J. Reyes, Senior Vice President, Operations and Programs
USO Board of Governors
USO Congressional Caucus
The USO Congressional Caucus was formed in 2003 to enhance the outreach efforts of the American people to U.S. service members and their families, providing another critical link between service members and their representatives. Bipartisan and bicameral, the caucus brings together members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives who have a mutually shared interest in supporting and improving the lives of our service members and their families.
With more than 200 members, the USO Congressional Caucus unites our leaders and helps strengthen the bridge that supports our military by keeping America’s service members connected to family, home and country.
The USO Congressional Caucus is led by Rep. Tim Walz (DFL-MN), who serves as Honorary Co-Chair. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) serve as Co-Chairs."
https://www.uso.org/about
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Wayne Brandon LTC Bill Koski Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown Maj Marty Hogan MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSgt Robert Marx PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SGT Robert George SP5 Mark Kuzinski SP5 Robert Ruck SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Charles H. Hawes SGT (Join to see)
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