The USO (United Service Organizations) has been dedicated to supporting service members and their families since 1941. While the USO has stood with military families since its inception, in 2016 it launched a worldwide initiative focusing on programs to strengthen and empower military spouses by connecting them to their social, professional, and community networks. Additionally, in recent years, the USO has bolstered its military family programming, offering a wide-range of options serving the entire military family.
The USO understands that the holiday season can be difficult for service members and military families, because many are not able to share this special time in-person with their loved ones. Military families sacrifice so much and deserve to have a moment to celebrate, no matter where their service takes them. That’s why USO Holidays programming is here to support the military community.
Here’s how the USO is giving back to service members and their families every holiday season:
1. USO Wishbook
USO Wishbook is a giving catalog that offers military supporters a way to send a heartfelt, symbolic gift to a loved one. Friends and family can send service members care packages, phone calls home, tech to help them connect with their loved ones, and more. Go here to shop for gifts for service members and their families!
2. Military Virtual Programming
Service members and their families are invited to enjoy cooking and baking demonstrations, music performances, and conversations with their favorite entertainers. Join them live or watch on-demand, from any device, anywhere, at any time. Go here to see the schedule and register for upcoming events. You can also catch previous MVP events on the “Tours” page of the USO Mobile App.
3. Opry Live: USO Holiday Special
Circle Network is partnering with the USO for a night of festive celebration in the first-ever Opry Live: USO Holiday Special. Military supporters can tune in to Circle Network as part of Opry Live on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 9 p.m. eastern, or watch anytime on the USO Mobile App, available for download on iOS and Android.
4. Festive Events & Family Activities
USO centers around the world will host activities such as spa days, snowball fights, holiday parties, and more for service members and military families. To learn more about events and activities happening in your area, find a location near you, or find your local USO on Facebook to stay up to date.
5. Social Media
You can find the USO on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. The USO Military Spouse Program has a Facebook Group as well, which all Milspouses are invited to join. Join this Facebook group and connect with other spouses and keep up with everything the USO is doing to support milspouses.
To learn more about the USO and its upcoming events this Holiday season, visit uso.org/holidays.
As if I couldn’t love the USO more– so appreciate all you do for our Service Members and their families around the holidays (and all through the year too). Thank you!