YOUR USO AT WORK
Issue 109 / Dec. 2022

With the holiday season upon us, it's more important than ever to remember and honor our troops who may not be able to spend the holidays with their families.

If you're able, please consider sending support for our service members deployed far from home this holiday season. [link removed] Your donation will help us deliver care packages, fund phone calls home, serve holiday meals and so much more.

We can't thank you enough for helping our service members stay comfortable and connected to home during this time. Check out the updates below to learn a little more about the work you've helped make possible in recent weeks.

USO FRONT LINES

Keeping our service members strong as they face uncertainty in Eastern Europe
This past year, thousands of troops deployed to Eastern Europe to support our NATO allies in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine — many of them answering the call to service with little notice and no end date in sight. The USO has been there to support them since Day One, providing comfort and boosting morale with care packages, events and other vital assistance.

Learn more about how your support is making a difference for troops in Eastern Europe.
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How military spouses far from home connect with each other
Moving to a new place every few years and recreating a home from the ground up is no easy task, but if anyone can do it, it's military spouses. For one group of military spouses stationed in a remote, rural location in Puerto Rico, the USO has supported programming to help them create a piece of home.

See how we're supporting military spouses in Aguadilla through USO Programs in a Box and other initiatives.
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GET INSPIRED

Friends on the Flight Line: Support for the airmen of Dover Air Force Base as they facilitate dignified transfers
Dover Air Force Base AFB in Delaware has become widely known for its somber role as the location through which all dignified transfers arrive in the United States. For the airmen who work the flight line of this base, the responsibilities of such tasks can take their toll — which is why the USO works hand in hand with our military partners to offer support.

Read about the many ways the USO supports airmen and Gold Star Families on Dover AFB.
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Families of the Fallen: How one Gold Star mother navigated love, loss and grief
Dianne Hammond lost her son, Sgt. Alessandro 'Sandrino' Plutino, in the line of duty in 2011, just two weeks before he was scheduled to come home. The weight of Dianne's grief made it difficult to find joy in the world around her. But after finding a path as a USO volunteer and telling her story, Dianne keeps her son's memory alive and ensures his sacrifice is never forgotten.

Learn more about Dianne's journey.
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GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT
Jack Ryan USO tour: John Krasinski and Michael Kelly visit Norfolk, VA
In anticipation of the latest season of Jack Ryan, John Krasinski and Michael Kelly met with Master Divers, experienced a hovercraft ride and engaged with SEALs in Norfolk, Virginia. They were also treated to a performance of "The Office" theme song by the Naval School of Music orchestra, and a selection of patriotic songs conducted by Michael Kelly. They ended their tour with a special advanced screening and world premiere of the new season of JAck Ryan for nearly a thousand service members and their families.

Entertainment Highlight: Live Discussion and Q&A with Tim Allen
The one and only Tim Allen recently engaged eager viewers with a live discussion session to prepare their spirits for the holidays following the premiere of his new show, "The Santa Clauses."

EVENTS

Service Member of the Year Awards 2022
The Service Member of the Year Awards is part of the USO's dedicated efforts to strengthen America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. We are honored to have awarded this distinction this past month to the 2022 USO Sailor of the Year, CTR3 Ty Knight, and the 2022 USO Soldier of the Year, SGT. Erick Ceja.

These men have engaged in acts of valor that demonstrate their extraordinary dedication to their country and their outstanding commitment to the values they pledged to uphold. We salute them and thank them for their service.

Check out this story about one of the service members honored by the USO.
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BY THE NUMBERS
5
This holiday season, check out 5 ways you can deliver a piece of home to troops. [link removed]


VOICE OF THE USO
“The staff at USO Powidz was amazing. During an uncomfortable situation, they tried to make it as comfortable as possible. They supported us to no end.”
—A U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. after sudden deployment to Poland amidst the war in Ukraine.

CORPORATE PARTNERS

USO and Delta Air Lines host holiday Care Pack event

Earlier this month, a very special USO Care Pack event took place at Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets. Thanks to the help of USO National Partner Delta Air Lines, 5,000 care packages were assembled for service members. Over 30 Delta volunteers attended to support the USO's mission this holiday season.

Learn more about USO Corporate Partners.
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Huge thanks to the Wawa Foundation for supporting our troops!

The Wawa Foundation presented a check to the USO for over $800,000, raised through in-store coin and scan campaigns held at every Wawa store during the summer of 2022. The funds go to programs supporting the military and their families and are distributed to the USO centers located throughout Wawa's operating area.

Learn more about the Wawa Foundation's partnership with us.
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The USO's 12 Days of Cheer & Gear Sweepstakes

The USO is teaming up with USAA to give away gaming prizes during the holiday season. By completing specific online tasks, like visiting the USO website and following us on Twitter, you can earn points. Each point equates to one entry into the sweepstakes which ends Dec. 18.

Learn more about how to enter, eligibility and prizes.
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OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

BE A FORCE BEHIND THE FORCES®
Help make sure our troops have the support they need the moment they need it
As our service members put their lives on the line around the world to keep us safe, it's up to patriotic Americans like you to have their backs. Your monthly donation will go so far in ensuring our military heroes have the resources they need, no matter what they're facing.

Set up a monthly donation now.
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PLANNED GIVING
Make a powerful difference for our troops with an estate gift. You can trust that our experts will work to find the best options for you to leave a legacy and support our important work for years to come. Learn more about planned giving options.
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From all of us at the USO, thank you for being a dedicated and proud military supporter!














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