When you're deployed, it feels like your life stands still. But for your loved ones back home, life keeps going.

The friend who got engaged right before you left? She's now married with her first child on the way.

The smiling baby nephew you kissed goodbye? He'll be a walking, talking toddler by the time you see him again.

As much as you try to keep in touch with phone and video calls, there are so many missed moments you'll never get back. And you inevitably return to a world that is not quite the same as the one you left.

These are the facts of military life and deployment, and to be honest, it's incredibly difficult. But as a former Army logistics officer who served in Iraq and Syria, I want you to know that your support of the USO really does make a difference for service members deployed around the world.

In honor of National Day of the Deployed this week, will you please donate $29 to help the USO continue supporting deployed service members and their families all over the world?

When I was deployed, the USO was a huge source of comfort and support. It was a place we could go to forget about the stress of our everyday work. We could leave our rank and uniforms behind and just play a game, have a snack, talk and live like we were at home for a little while.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for supporting this meaningful work.

I know there are so many deployed service members around the world right now who continue to rely on the USO for support. That's why, ahead of National Day of the Deployed, I'm asking you to make a donation toward USO's $75,000 goal before the deadline on Saturday.

Please, will you give $29 or more right now to make a life-changing difference for service members coping with the challenges of deployment? I promise, your support means the world.

Thank you,

Claudia W.
Former Army Logistics Officer