953 nut 56,621 #1 Posted February 4 USO Day on February 4 is the birthday celebration of the American nonprofit-charitable corporation, the United Service Organizations Inc. Providing live entertainment, care packages, and much more, the USO is the bridge connecting overseas soldiers to their friends, families, and homes. The USO partnered with the War Department, and later with the Department of Defense (DoD), to serve everyone in military life. The troops fighting in WW2 were the first to benefit from this organization’s efforts, and now, almost 4.9 million members are impacted by the USO. Late comedian Bob Hope entertained forces for around 50 years, becoming the first and only honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces in 1997. Every year from 1964 to 1972 Bob Hope spent his Christmas entertaining the troops in Vietnam. The USO website states that overseas there are 20 times more volunteers than USO employees, and the number is much higher inside the country. Flying into war zones meant injuries, or worse: 37 entertainers lost their lives while trying to boost troops' morale during World War Two. The USO-Coca-Cola partnership has been in place ever since the USO was formed, and Coca-Cola even pledged to serve their drinks at only 5 cents to every soldier no matter the cost to the firm. When my father was severely injured while I was in the US Navy my mother called our minister, he called the USO and I was on an airplane headed home within twelve hours. The USO picked up the air fare and my emergency leave had no termination date, just come back when your dad is doing better. 2 8 1 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 63,408 #2 Posted February 4 Once again, Mr. Richard, thank you for your service! 2 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 11,681 #3 Posted February 4 and thanks to all those who defend this country and to those that do whatever they can to support them. Like the USO. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wayne0 692 #4 Posted February 4 My thanks to all the vets who sacrificed their time and more to keep our country safe. (I originally thought the title was "UFO Day" ) 2 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brockport Bill 1,767 #5 Posted February 4 like many babyboomers I grew up watching those Bob Hope tv specials with my Dad -- Every December I write my annual USO donation check -- Bob Hope left a great legacy !!!!!!!!!! 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,784 #6 Posted February 4 The only time that I had access to or need for the USO was when I was in boot camp in Cape May NJ. It was during Christmas week, and none of us were allowed to go home. Might have been my most depressing time of my young life. We were allowed to visit the USO in downtown Cape May for 3 hours. It was like an oasis in the middle of my gloom. What a wonderful organization. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,866 #7 Posted February 5 An old friend of mine would always reply " Never say no to the USO" when asked if he wanted a cup of tea. I never knew what the heck he was talking about now I do. I guess it was a tag line for that organisation, he was brought up just after the war. Mick. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
