USO of Greater Jacksonville

Celebrating 80 years of service

By Stephanie Thompson

This is an ongoing series about the many military and Veteran organizations that make up The Liberty Coast. The common denominator is their physical location in the region, each playing a role in defining the culture of this pro-military and Veteran-friendly community. For previous snapshots, visit LibertyLifeMedia.com/Archives.

The United Service Organizations Inc.—USO—was established on February 4, 1941, and is dedicated to keeping military members connected to their family, home and country while they serve to keep citizens safe and free. The nonprofit has done very well on that mission for decades, but in the year leading up to its 80th anniversary, by necessity, the organization shifted its approach.

Ninety percent of what the USO does helps support young enlisted Servicemembers and their families. Before COVID-19, the USO of Greater Jacksonville regularly fed an average of 300 people with its No Dough Dinners program. Now that the dinners are to go, they feed thousands.

Another service offered by the USO on The Liberty Coast is the Healthy Military Families Initiative, which provides $200-$250 worth of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, dried goods, and other foods for young enlisted Servicemembers and their families. In the past, families entered the USO to receive these goods, but COVID-19 precautions have turned this initiative into a drive-by service.

The USO staff and volunteers can fill the trunks of four family vehicles every 15 minutes with fresh food, and recipients never have to step out of their cars. This has been a huge help, as many military families became one-income households overnight.

The USO of Greater Jacksonville will celebrate the organization’s history on the upcoming anniversary by thanking the 80 years of staff and volunteers. USO of Greater Jacksonville Executive Director Mike O’Brien noted that, with only six full-time employees, volunteers are a critical component of offering help to military families, clocking in more than 20,000 man-hours in 2020.

“We will focus on where the USO is going, how we’re going to touch smaller groups of the military with our USO to-go programs,” O’Brien said. “Looking forward to a whole new message to the military. USO is still by their side throughout the world.”

There are three USO locations on The Liberty Coast:

1. Jacksonville International Airport Welcome Center (closed due to COVID-19; re-opening has not yet been determined)

2. Mayport Center, 2560 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, (904) 246-3481

3. Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Building 1050, (904) 778-2821

Many USO events and programs have been moved online and can be found at Jax.USO.org. The virtual birthday celebration will be available on the same website as we approach February 4.

If you know or are part of an organization on The Liberty Coast that others should know about, let us know! We want to share your story and introduce you to the community. Visit LibertyLifeMedia.com/Submit-Stories or email Editor@LibertyLifeMedia.com to learn more.