NEWS
Paying Forward
United Services Organization receives $50,000 grant
USO Arizona, which recently received $50,000 from the Thunderbirds Charities, has a space in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. (Photo courtesy of USO Arizona)
BY ALLISON BROWN Sound of Freedom Staff Writer
U
SO Arizona received a $50,000 grant from the Thunderbirds Charities to support the growing program that helps military service members and families who are serving, training and traveling throughout the Valley. “We’re delighted,” says Carla Garcia, executive director of USO Arizona. “The Thunderbirds have supported us in the past, and having this opportunity to collaborate once again with the Thunderbirds in this enhanced way with an increased amount really does help us do more.” The USO Arizona is a branch of the national organization, which was founded in 1941
by President Theodore Roosevelt. It was in line with his famous comment during World War II, “dollars alone will not win this war,” in reference to the importance of taking care of American troops. Since then, the organization has grown to over 260 locations and 30,000 volunteers worldwide, with a presence in 16 countries. In Arizona, there are 50,000 military members, five paid staff members and 250 volunteers. The USO Arizona started decades later, in 2015, and has four active operations — Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the military entrance processing station in Downtown Phoenix, Fort Huachuca in Cochise County, and Yuma Army Proving Ground. Plans are also underway for a fifth location at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma. Like its headquarters, the USO Arizona
strives to provide for, support and strengthen military service members by keeping them connected to their home, family and country throughout their service. The historic organization works with military service members “however long that is and however many locations they travel to,” Garcia says. They also help members transition out of service for several months afterward, to ensure they get back on their feet and can adjust. Programs are aplenty through the USO, such as baby showers; entertainment and recreation activities; nutrition and wellness programs; support in/during travel; assistance with casualties and remains; and help navigating the transition out of service. In 2020, USO Arizona reported over 156,000 service connections, even with a tem-
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 |
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