The USO, Supporting and Entertaining Our Troops "Until Every One Comes Home."

Whatever your politics, whatever you think about the war, our troops deserve be appreciated. The sacrifices they make and the risks they take deserve to be honored by every American. Since 1941, the USO (the United Service Organization) has been doing just this, by supporting and entertaining our military with entertainers and celebrities from home. Although the USO operates all kinds of recreation sites at home and abroad, it is probably best known for its "camp shows." Our troops can have a few hours of fun and relaxation listening to popular music stars, laughing at comedians and admiring Hollywood actors and beauty queens. These celebrities and entertainers perform for free and put their own safety at risk. Whatever their politics, they are Americans first, and they are good people.

In 1941 President Franklin D. Roosevelt requested that an organization be formed to boost the morale, and provide recreation services for our military, both at home and overseas. Six organizations were brought together to fund the project: the Salvation Army: the YMCA, the YWCA, National Catholic Community Service, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board. The government would build the buildings and these organizations would raise private funds to carry out the mission of boosting morale and provide recreation for our military men and women. The Dept. of Defense and private funds eventually built hundreds of centers and private clubs throughout the world as a "Home away from Home."

The centers offered activities such as movies and dances with pretty girls serving free coffee and donuts. Some USO bases provided quiet space for reading or writing a letter home or even spiritual guidance. There were childcare centers for military wives living on the military base. Now, with today's technology all kinds of hi- tech equipment ranging from computers, cell phones and video games are available. With today's technology our military men and women abroad can see and speak with family members at home or even witness the birth of a new baby.

Throughout the years Hollywood and the entertainment industry has been at the forefront of the USO. However, one entertainer especially stands out when one thinks of the USO...... Bob Hope. Many of us can remember actor-comedian Bob Hope and his shows during the Vietnam War. Safe at home, we sat in awe and watched Hope present his holiday shows with pretty cheerleaders, beauty queens, movie actors, TV and music stars; all volunteering their time and risking their own personal safety as bombs rumbled in the background. Our brave soldiers could somehow put the war behind them for a few hours, laughing at and enjoying entertainers from back home who cared about them.

Senator John Kerry recalls how the "Bob Hope Follies" helped him deal with the stress and heartbreak of war. "Ann Margret, Rosie Grier and Miss America hung around after the show talking to us. The show gave us respite and reminded us what we were fighting for....God, Country, apple pie, and Ann Margret."

Actress Connie Stevens remembers her 1969 tour with Bob Hope. She decided to go despite the fact she had two children under the age of two. Today, she says that veterans are still stopping and thanking her for visiting Vietnam 40 years ago. Hope's final show was during Operation Desert Shield in 1990. Because of Saudi Arabian customs that women must be veiled in public, Ann Julian, Marie Osmond, and the Pointer Sisters were left off Hope's Christmas Eve show. Hope was honored extensively for his USO work with even a Navy Destroyer named after him.

Today with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan still being fought the USO is as active, as ever. However there are new issues to deal with. New technology makes it easier than ever to set up "shows." However, increased terrorist attacks and suicide bombers sometimes limit live shows. "USO in a box" provides DVDs and DVD players, videos and video games, computers, free internet and email services, cameras phones and musical instruments to troops in remote areas. Our troops however continue to ask for the "camp shows."

Some of the many entertainers and celebrities who have performed for the USO in the last few years are:

WWF Wrestlers, Super Bowl Stars and Cheerleaders, Anna Kournikova, Toby Keith, Scarlett Johansson, Kathy Griffin, Kid Rock, Robin Williams, Drew Carey, American Idol Performers, Neil McCoy, Bruce Williams, Charlie Daniels, Carrie Underwood, Darryl Worley, Diamond Rio, Deana Carter Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, Stephen Colbert

Even General David Petreaus had his own Hollywood moment when he met in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone with actress Angelina Jolie, who visited Baghdad as goodwill ambassador to highlight the plight of Iraq refugees.

Sources:

Wikipediahttp://www.studentnewsdaily.com/daily-news-article/uso-adapts-to-changing-needs-of-troops