USO Supporter,

Going to boot camp can be nerve-wracking. Recruits are often far from home, away from their families and unsure of what to expect. Thankfully, the USO is there.

Many young Coast Guard recruits first arrive at the USO Center in the Philadelphia International Airport to assemble (or “muster”) on their way to Coast Guard basic training at Cape May, New Jersey.

The U.S. Coast Guard has used this USO Center as the muster point for Coast Guard recruits for over 40 years. Recruits can relax in the USO lounge, enjoy home-cooked meals and receive travel support before heading to basic training.

But perhaps the most important task for USO volunteers is listening and connecting to the young men and women as they prepare to embark on their life-changing journey of military service.

Neil Weidman, who has volunteered with the USO since 2019, said, “Interacting with the recruits is the best part. It’s fun talking to the young women and men about where they are from, why the Coast Guard and what they would like to do after basic."

The USO supports Coast Guard recruits — and our entire military community — from day one. Whether it's helping recruits create bonds before boot camp or all of the programs, services and entertainment the USO will provide them with throughout their active-duty service, the USO has been supporting our heroes in uniform for more than 80 years.

And tomorrow, we’ll all be proudly celebrating the U.S. Coast Guard’s 234th birthday. Will you join us in wishing the Coast Guard a happy birthday? We need 50,000 military supporters to sign the happy birthday card before midnight tonight. Together, let's make sure the brave Coast Guardsmen know we appreciate their service and sacrifice.

Let's celebrate the Coast Guard together,

Your friends at the USO