With World War II looming on the United States’ doorstep, President Franklin D. Roosevelt knew an organization keeping service members in touch with the bonds of family and the comforts of home, no matter where or under what conditions they served, would be vital. He challenged six private organizations to answer this call.
In New York, on February 4, 1941, the United Service Organizations (USO) was established; founded by the YMCA, YWCA, National Catholic Community Service, National Jewish Welfare Board, Traveler’s Air Association and Salvation Army.
The nonprofit organization operated hundreds of centers around the world during World War II and the wars following, such as Vietnam. Enlisting the help of local community members for center support; centers were stocked with coffee, food, comfortable furniture, pool and ping pong tables, and much more.
Hollywood’s stars, such as Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe would visit service members abroad, bringing them cheer and ease the stresses they were facing on the front.
Today, stars like Gary Sinise and Toby Keith, travel with the USO to keep service members morale boosted. The USO operates over 160 locations worldwide.
“For 75 years, USO has been a home away from home, keeping the military community connected with their families and the country,” said Arne Nelson, USO San Diego Chief Executive Officer. “When a service member sees USO, it provides an instant comfort. They know they are supported and safe. For civilians, the USO represents a patriotic platform for them to rally behind, and through the USO, easily provide immediate support for the military and their families.”
In San Diego, California, USO San Diego manages two centers for Active Duty, Reserve, Guard and their families. Each of the centers have comfortable lounge areas, bathrooms with showers, snacks and beverages, computers, and pool tables. USO San Diego also provides outreach for homecomings, deployments and morale boosting events.
“We are indebted for the ongoing morale building efforts that the USO graciously provides, time and time again,” said Lieutenant Travis E. Coffey, U.S. Navy Command Chaplain, from USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) in a thank you letter.
USO San Diego’s Downtown Center hosts many of the free programs offered to the military and their families, such as United Through Reading, a Mobile Food Pantry, Tuesday Night Dinners and holiday programs.
United Through Reading keeps service members connected to the children in their lives. Service members leaving for training or deployment can come to the Downtown Center, be recorded reading a book aloud, and then USO San Diego sends the DVD and book to the child once the service member has left.
“My daughter was so excited to see her Daddy on TV reading her books,” said Nicole Engberg, military spouse.
Every Tuesday, military families gather at the Downtown Center to relax and enjoy a meal sponsored by a company or organization.
“With You All the Way” kits are distributed to children with a service member deployed. Inside the kits are items to help address the stresses of military life, such as a stuffed-bear named Cuzzie, postcards they can send to their deployed relative, and a “With You All the Way!” DVD created by the Trevor Romain Company and the USO.
The USO Neil Ash Airport Center, located at the San Diego International Airport, provides support to traveling military personnel and the young Marine Corps recruits who are reporting for boot camp and training. With friendly smiles, USO San Diego’s knowledgeable volunteers assist and comfort military families who may be traveling for the first time.
“They took excellent care of my family during our short stay,” said Sandra Way, military spouse. “The [Airport Center] is amazing and beautiful.”
Frequently, barbeques are hosted at the Airport Center for hundreds of new Marine graduates before they report to their next training station. These wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of companies and organizations in the San Diego region.
Over the course of 75 years, USO San Diego has been supporting the region’s military and their families, creating memorable moments with special and free programs. USO San Diego is committed to strengthening America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.
Organization Name:
• USO San Diego
• United Service Organizations (USO)
Mission Statement:
• USO San Diego strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.
Founded:
• February 4, 1941 in New York
