USO MVP Events Inform, Entertain, Inspire Military Community
By Elizabeth Lee, USO Military Spouse Programs Manager
Just over one year ago, the world changed. We were thrust into a global pandemic, and we had to adapt to social distancing, staying home, and spraying disinfectant on every surface. We tried to navigate this “new normal.”
Amid this challenging year, nonprofits needed to pivot from business as usual and find innovative ways to fulfill their important missions. At the USO, a nonprofit organization that has supported America’s service members and military families for 80 years, we had to innovate our programs to this new virtual environment.
As an organization, the USO is known for entertainment tours, with celebrities like legendary comedians Bob Hope and Robin Williams traveling around the world to boost morale for our troops. Millions of service members have found comfort in USO centers and airport lounges. Military spouses gathered at USOs to meet new friends, enjoy coffee, and feel welcomed in their communities. Needless to say, in-person connections were a cornerstone of the USO.
So, in 2020, we found a way to bring that same spirit of connection to the digital world. We launched our Military Virtual Programming (MVP) series. These positive, uplifting digital engagements for troops and military families include entertainment, military spouse chats, career workshops, and more.
We invite members of our military community to join the upcoming USO MVP events, designed to brighten your day and show America’s gratitude for your service:
Let’s Get Cooking!
Military spouses are welcome to join the USO and celebrity chef Joel Gamoran for a live cooking demonstration and Q&A discussion. Tune in for a simple, healthy enchiladas recipe that’s sure to please your whole family. Kids are encouraged to join in on the fun, too! As a bonus, some participants will have the chance to receive free swag. Sign up for the MVP event on March 23 at 11 a.m. eastern time here.
Jumpstart Your Career
Looking to take your career to the next level? Join the USO and branding expert Michael Quinn for a “Mastering LinkedIn” webinar on March 24 at 11 a.m. eastern time. No matter where you are on your career journey, this workshop is designed to equip you with the tools you need to navigate LinkedIn, leverage networking opportunities, access critical resources, and understand the hiring process. Register to join this popular series here.
Connecting Over Coffee
USO Coffee Connection Live events are wonderful opportunities for military spouses around the world to make friends and have interesting conversations. On March 25 at 3 p.m. eastern, you can join the USO for a Coffee Connection Live featuring Samantha Busch, philanthropist, entrepreneur, mother, author of Fighting Infertility, and wife to NASCAR champion Kyle Busch. Sign up to participate in this compelling and inspiring conversation here.
Federal Resume Transition Talk
Are you interested in a career with the federal government? Join the USO and seasoned federal recruiter Rudy Muriel to learn how to write a stand-out federal resume and develop your USAJobs profile. Learn the nuances of federal hiring in this USO Transition Talk on March 25 at noon eastern when you sign up here.
Sci-Fi Session
Fan of the supernatural? Join the USO and actor Jonathan Tucker for a live Q&A on March 27 at 7 p.m. eastern, where he will discuss his new NBC show Debris, a sci-fi tale about mysterious material falling from the sky and its inexplicable power. Sign up and submit your question for Jonathan here.
Discover Your Spark
The USO’s free online “Discovering Your Spark” event is designed to help military spouses live their lives with passion and purpose. Join the USO and 2017 AFI Military Spouse of the Year Brittany Boccher for this inspiring workshop and receive a digital copy of Brittany’s new workbook Finding Your Color in a Camouflaged World. Check out this event and other future military spouse events here.
As you can see, the USO MVP series has a little something for everyone! Whether you’re searching for a new recipe, a new career, new friends, or you need a pick-me-up from your favorite celebrity, you’re welcome to join all the upcoming USO virtual events for our military community. We can’t wait to see you there!
I just LOVE the programs you all at the USO are putting on for military spouses and service members! Your ability to “pivot” over the last year is also super inspiring, and I am so grateful that you are sharing your experiences and opportunities with AWN. Thanks so much, Elizabeth!