Through relocations, deployments, travels, family milestones and more, the United Service Organizations (USO) has supported and motivated U.S. Armed Forces for over 80 years.
Since its formation by President Franklin D. Roosevelt just before World War II, the nonprofit has dedicated its time and resources to strengthening American service members. On February 4, the USO will celebrate 82 years of service.
The public often recognizes the organization’s efforts from celebrities like John Stewart, Robert Irvine and Scarlett Johansson devoting their talents to entertaining troops through USO tours. Bob Hope—the multi-talented comedian, actor and singer—elevated the work of the USO through his dedication to supporting and entertaining active service members for nearly 50 years.
But the history, support and entertainment provided by the USO have a much broader and deeper reach, touching the lives of service members and their families during some of their most difficult moments. From standing alongside troops during historic battles to simply providing free connections to family members at home, the USO is “always by their side.”
Combining efforts to raise morale
Months before the attack on Pearl Harbor and the official involvement of U.S. troops in World War II, President Roosevelt pushed for a concerted effort by organizations to join their support of the U.S. Armed Forces. He envisioned a private, voluntary organization that provided recreation and entertainment as a morale booster for service members.
The USO was formed by the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, the National Jewish Welfare Board, the National Catholic Community Service and the Travelers Aid Association of America. This private organization was federally chartered and partnered with the Department of Defense to provide centers that supported the welfare of troops.
From its start, the USO attracted more than 1 million volunteers who provided entertainment, recreation, resources, spiritual opportunities and quiet spaces for troops in over 3,000 locations. These clubs offered venues and resources to connect with families at home, dance, watch movies, grab snacks or enjoy celebrity appearances. Roosevelt said, “USO deserves the support of every individual citizen.”
A subsidiary of the USO called USO Camp Shows, Inc., launched in October 1941, working with entertainers to deliver world-class shows to deployed personnel. Their first overseas tour featured comedians Laurel and Hardy, Chico Marx and Broadway tap dancer and film star Mitzi Mayfair.
For a brief time in 1947, the USO disbanded, but the organization reorganized during the Korean War and has since expanded its efforts.
Providing ‘Hope’ on the front lines
Known as the “one-man morale machine,” the first major celebrity to entertain troops on the front line was Bob Hope. Braving enemy fire, he dedicated the majority of his 80-year career to delivering laughter when – and where -- it was needed most.
“I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful,” he once said.
Both at home and abroad, Hope shared laughter and song with service members during some of their toughest days. In May 1941, he broadcast his first USO Show from the Army Air Corps Base in Riverside, California. From that moment, he spent nearly 50 years entertaining troops through World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Lebanon Civil War, the Iran-Iraq War and the Persian Gulf War.
Hope’s lengthy tenure with the USO made him an icon with the organization and opened the door for other major celebrities to share their talents in support of U.S. troops. His work grew to include other entertainers, and he became well known for his annual “Bob Hope Christmas Show.”
Thanks to Hope’s commitment, those serving on battlefields all over the world got a glimpse of home and a reminder of what they were fighting for.
Hope made a tremendous impact on those service members with whom he interacted. He inspired other celebrities and entertainers to volunteer by doing the same. Today, the USO Hope Coin honors entertainers who share the same spirit and enthusiasm as Hope in their work with the USO. The southern California USO service area now honors his work, bearing the name Bob Hope USO.
Modernizing programs for today’s needs
The USO today has more than 250 centers worldwide with thousands of staff and volunteers providing resources, programming and entertainment for active service members. Many offerings have modernized to meet military and their families where they are with the latest technology, opportunities and supplies.
USO tours remain a highlight for many troops while they serve. This year’s #USOHolidayTour included Wilmer Valderrama, Shaun White, Kellie Pickler, Jessimae Peluso, Mat Fraser and DJ J. Dayz. These stars gift their time and talents to share a special holiday message with service members and military families. Other recent celebrities and entertainers on tour included Adam DeVine, the ‘This Is Us’ cast, The Chainsmokers and Elizabeth Banks.
Another long standing service is the USO Airport Lounge, found in more than 50 airports. These designated airport locations are staffed by volunteers who provide active-duty, reserve and guard service members and their families with a place to relax when dealing with the stress of travel. A comfortable space, a snack, some helping hands and free Wi-Fi go a long way for weary travelers.
Started in 2003 and modernized in 2009, Operation Phone Home® is a program that provides free international phone cards or phone and Wi-Fi connectivity for troops to speak with their families. An amazing 3.5 million free prepaid international phone cards have been provided to date, giving service members the joy of connecting with loved ones. The program also has allowed many expectant fathers to virtually connect with their wives as they welcome the birth of their children.
And speaking of growing families, USO provides many services for military spouses, including baby showers. USO Special Delivery, presented by Johnson & Johnson, organizes traditional baby showers, virtually or in person, for expectant mothers who may be too far from family and friends. Other military spouse resources help to support families with social, professional and community networks.
USO remains one of the largest organizations supporting active-duty military. From the moment a service member dons their uniform to their reintegration back home, the USO pledges to be by their side.
Cheers to many more successful years ahead, USO!
