Golden Opportunities

Quick—I say USO, you say…Bob Hope? Those memorable holiday tours to entertain the troops are the only awareness many folks have of the USO. But this wonderful organization works throughout the year, every year, to connect the American public with our men and women in uniform. Here to explain how you can play a supporting role in the USO cast is Deborah Fisher, Executive Director of the United Service Organizations of Northern Ohio.

Question: When you hear the term "USO," Bob Hope first comes to mind. What is the USO's mission?

Answer: The mission of the USO is to provide morale, welfare and recreation services to our military forces and their families. Our local USO is one of the oldest-last year we celebrated our 65th year.
And yes, many people do think of Bob Hope when you mention the USO. Hope grew up in Cleveland, and his nephew, also Bob Hope, is on our board of directors.

Question: Tell us about the USO's mission.

Answer: The mission of the USO is to provide morale, welfare and recreation services to our military forces and their families. Our local USO is one of the oldest-last year we celebrated our 65thyear.
And yes, many people do think of Bob Hope when you mention the USO. Hope grew up in Cleveland and his nephew, also Bob Hope, is on our board of directors.

Question: Our viewers don't have to be TV start to play a starring role in supporting our troops.  Can you explain?

Answer: What we are best known for-and what we are always looking for addition support for-is our care packages that we send our troops overseas. We send between 600 and 1,000 care packages per month to soldiers.
We are a non-profit organization, so we always welcome donations for these care packages. For example, toiletries are always welcomed, especially travel-size shampoos, conditioners, mouthwash, etc. Also, sample-sized cosmetics and perfumed lotions are often sent in the final care packets to female soldiers before they return home.
"Morale booster" items are also popular. Make sure these are in single serving/small packages, so that they can fit in backpacks. For example: pre sweetened cold drink mixes, cans of tuna, fruit snacks, beef jerky, disposable cameras, cough drops, chocolate (October-March only), baby wipes, Ziploc bags.
Monetary donations are welcomes as well and are put towards postage. In November, we sent 2,000 24-inch Christmas trees to soldiers, and the postage alone cost $12,000.

Question: Any volunteer opportunities? Other services?

Answer: There are opportunities to volunteer at our hospitality lounge at Hopkins airport. Soldiers who are being deployed, coming home, or passing through-and their families-can come to the lounge for refreshments, to play pool or video games, watch TV, etc.
In February, we are partnering with the Miss Ohio Organization for fundraising Valentine's Day Dance at the Renaissance Hotel.

Question: What if our viewers have children or grandchildren serving?

Answer: Back during Desert Storm, we were able to send care packages to "Any Soldier, USA." During the War on Terror, however, for security reasons, we must address all care packages to specific soldiers at the military address (APO). However, for privacy reasons, we are not simply given those addresses.
Therefore, we are always trying to gather addresses to add to our list. If your child is serving at present, please consider giving us their APO so that they may receive care packages. Although they are always thrilled to get items from family, getting materials and letters from the American public really does touch the soldiers and we'd like as many on the list as possible.

Question: Let's shift gears for a moment.  I understand you have some information for World War II veterans. Can you share this with us?

Answer: Yes. There is a retired Air Force Captain, Earl Morse, from Dayton who feels very strongly that World War II Veterans should have the opportunity to see the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. Last May he sponsored a hugely discounted trip to D.C. from Cleveland, and took 50 veterans to that memorial and others. (The USO surprised the veterans at the airport as well!)
He would like to sponsor another such trip this spring if there is enough interest. For more information call 937-864-7261 or visit www.HonorFlight.org.

Do you support our troops abroad? Well, now you can pay more than just lip service. Give the USO a call at the number that's next. My sincere thanks to Deborah Fisher.