September updates from the USO

YOUR USO AT WORK ISSUE 116 September 2023  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏    ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏    ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏    ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏

DONATE NOW »     YOUR USO AT WORK Issue 116 / September 2023         Our nation marked 22 years since the 9/11 attacks forever changed our country and our world. September 11 holds meaning for all Americans, but it’s particularly poignant for those in the U.S. military who risk their lives to defend our freedom. At moments like this, we are so grateful for your support. Keep reading to learn about the powerful troop support efforts your generosity has made possible this September.   GET INSPIRED     Cesar Millan reveals the first-ever USO Canine Volunteer of the Year Winner Whether it’s offering a helpful paw or a listening ear, USO Canine Volunteers play an immeasurably important role in carrying out the USO’s mission at various USO Centers around the world. With the help of these special, four-legged volunteers (all of them certified therapy dogs), the people who serve and their military family members know that they not only have a place, but also a friend — albeit a furry one — to turn to in challenging times. The USO is honored to recognize just a few of these incredible USO Canine Volunteers by announcing the inaugural 2023 USO Canine Volunteer of the Year award. Watch Cesar Millan congratulate the Canine Volunteer of the Year 2023 »   USO FRONT LINES       Celebrating Patriot Day Across the Globe On Patriot Day, the USO remembered those who have fallen and sacrificed for our country and honored those who continue to serve today. The Powidz military community observed Patriot Day by enjoying a special event organized with help from the USO. For service members stationed in Poland, who support our NATO allies as the war in Ukraine rages on, a reminder of home on this important day couldn’t have been more welcome.   GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT     Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, Surprises Our Heroes in San Diego Service members from the Navy Wounded Warrior Program in San Diego had the chance to attend an advance screening of the new Netflix docuseries Heart of Invictus.   “It was such an honor to sit with the population we serve and watch Heart of Invictus together,” said Marcus Pace, Veteran and Regional Program Director of the Navy Wounded Warrior Program, Navy Region Southwest. “It gave us moments of hope, especially knowing many of them are in some of the most difficult times of their lives. But more than anything, it was an evening about community for our wounded warriors and being around other service members going through the same thing.”   As a surprise for our service members, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, popped in to watch with the audience!   EVENTS       Harris Teeter's 2023 Support Our Troops Campaign Boosts USO The partnership between USO and Harris Teeter continued this summer as associates and shoppers generously contribute to the 11th annual Support Our Troops Round Up Campaign. The campaign raised $1.2 million at the registers, bringing the total to over $13.6 million since 2012. These funds will promote critical USO programs within shoppers’ local military communities. Harris Teeter associates kicked off the campaign by assembling 2,500 USO care packs for service members at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.           BY THE NUMBERS 80,000 This month, the USO celebrates a tremendous milestone for the Transition Program: 80,000 service members and military spouses served! Since the program’s inception, our teams have supported them with personalized employment, education, financial wellness and professional development as they navigate the complexities of post-military life. Know someone in need of this service? Simply direct them to uso.org/transition to get connected!                 VOICE OF THE USO   "The USO Reading Program has really helped me stay connected with my family while overseas. Given their ages, now is a particularly important time for [my kids] with literacy. The USO Reading Program has helped me feel like I’m doing everything I can to help them out while I am deployed. I am very much looking forward to reading the books once I’m home — with any luck, I’ll be home in time for both of their birthdays." — A lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve on how the USO keeps him close to family during deployment               CORPORATE PARTNERS   10 Years of Partnership: Freedom Mortgage Supports Rucksacks to Backpacks Program Back-to-school season can be expensive, especially for a military family that is constantly on the move. Thanks to our decade-long partnership with Freedom Mortgage, thousands of military kids have the support they need to start the school year off strong. Read more about how this partnership brings backpacks and school supplies to military families. »   OTHER WAYS TO GIVE   GIFTS THAT PAY YOU INCOME You can help service members draw strength from connecting to the things they love and fight for while earning an income from your gift. Charitable gift annuities (CGAs) offer a secure, fixed payment stream for yourself and/or a loved one for your lifetime(s). You will also receive tax benefits and the satisfaction of creating a lasting legacy through the USO. Learn more here. »       From all of us at the USO, thank you for being a dedicated and proud military supporter!

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