Summer 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Transcription

1 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction II. USO Operations A. USO Centers i. MEPS B. USO Volunteers C. TellUSO Sound Off Survey III. USO Warrior and Family Programs A. Active Duty Troops i. USO2GO ii. Mobile USO iii. MEGS iv. Holiday Care Packages B. Military Families i. Operation Phone Home ii. Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families iii. Operation That s My Dress iv. USO and What to Expect Foundation present Special Delivery v. USO Tiny Tots vi. United Through Reading s Military Program C. Troops In Transition i. Comfort Crew For Military Kids ii. USO Transition 360 Alliance Employment Events iii. RP/6 iv. Stronger Families Oxygen Seminars D. Wounded, Ill and Injured Troops, Their Families and Caregivers i. USO Warrior and Family Centers ii. USO Caregivers Seminars iii. Warrior Care Packs iv. Warrior Games E. Families of the Fallen F. Warrior and Family Programs Grant-Based Programs i. Project Sanctuary ii. Family Strengthening Camps iii. RenovatingHope iv. Ride 2 Recovery G. Entertainment Activities i. Joining Forces IV. Providing Resources for USO Programs and Services A. Wishbook B. Every Moment Counts USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 1

2 I. INTRODUCTION The USO lifts the spirits of America's troops and military families. For more than 70 years, the USO is the only private, nonprofit organization that serves the men and women in the U.S. military and their families throughout their service from the moment they join, through their deployments and as they transition back to their communities. We re the way America says thank you to all these amazing men and women and what they do for all of us. We accomplish our mission by delivering highly valued programs, morale-boosting services and engaging entertainment that help them feel appreciated for their service. Today s troops need the comfort, connection and confidence that can only be provided by an organization that is with them at every milepost of their military journey. Today s USO is always by their side, continuously adapting to the needs of our troops and their families, so they can focus on their very important mission. The USO s programs and services are made possible by the support of our individual donors, corporate sponsors and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. Most important of all, the USO is not part of the federal government. II. USO OPERATIONS At the USO, we learn a lot about the needs of troops and families over the course of their more than 7 million visits to our centers and more than 2 million direct-service encounters through local programs that we have with them each year at locations around the world. This information feeds our annual planning, budgeting and decision making. Donors are interested in the impact a donated dollar has on the community a charity serves. At the USO, we are fortunate to have supporters who provide a range of in-kind goods and services that allow us to get greater value for every dollar donated to us. A. USO CENTERS: The USO provides programs, entertainment and services at more than 160 USO locations worldwide, including Afghanistan, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Italy, Japan, Guam, South Korea and the United States. In 2014, USO centers were visited more than 7 million times by troops and their families. USO centers provide a warm and comforting place where troops and families can connect via Internet or telephone, play a video game, catch a movie, have a snack or just put their feet up and relax. Currently, the 4 USO centers in Afghanistan collectively average more than 25,000 visits monthly and the 2 centers in Kuwait are collectively averaging more than 39,500 visits monthly. This year, the USO is celebrating the opening of several new locations including centers in Abu Dhabi, Djibouti, Houston MEPS and two centers at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin. i. MEPS: The Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) is a Department of Defense joint-service organization staffed with military and civilian professionals who support enlistment at various locations across the US. In 2015, the USO plans to expand its presence to several MEPS to provide additional support for service members on what may be the very first day of their military career. By increasing USO presence at MEPS, we are able to introduce new recruits and their families to the wide range of USO support they ll find during different phases of their military careers. Troops and families visiting MEPS often experience long wait times for appointments and evaluations and the USO can provide relaxation space and entertainment to help them pass the time. The USO currently operates centers inside MEPS in Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Cleveland, OH, and Columbus, OH with sights set on expanding to 4 additional MEPS in USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 2

3 B. USO VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are the heart of the USO. They deliver goodness to our troops and their families in our centers and the community at locations around the world. The USO is honored to have more than 30,000 volunteers across the globe who gave 1.6 million hours last year in service to troops and families. In September, the USO announced their 2014 USO Volunteers of the Year. Ms. LeAnn Thornton of USO Bay Area in San Francisco is the USO Volunteer of the Year, U.S., and Sgt. Geraldin Thibaut Lenkoue of USO Warrior Center in Landstuhl, Germany, is the USO Volunteer of the Year, Overseas. C. TellUSO SOUND OFF SURVEY: In October 2014, the USO concluded its sixth annual TellUSO Sound Off Survey designed to systematically measure and collect ideas and opinions of troops and their families to help our organization improve the programs and services we provide to those we serve around the globe. The TellUSO Sound Off Survey measures customer satisfaction and is focused on capturing awareness, use, satisfaction and derived value of USO programs and services. USO s next survey of troops and families launches September 2, 2015 and runs through October 4, 2015 at USO Centers worldwide. Highlights from the 2014 survey include: i. In 2014, the USO is delivered on its mission to uplift the spirits of troops and families: ii. i. 97 percent of troops and families surveyed agree that the USO boosts the moral of troops. ii. 92 percent of respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with USO programs and USO centers Centers remain the most important service offered by the USO: i. 80 percent of active duty respondents used a USO center in the past 12 months and 73 percent of active duty respondents used a USO center in the past 6 months. ii. Rest and relaxation, food or beverage and internet access remain the top three reasons for visiting a USO center. iii. These USO programs and services were rated above an 85% by troops and their families in the survey: 1. Events 2. Centers 3. Classes 4. United Through Reading 5. Travel Tours 6. USO Mobile 7. Phones 8. Holiday Boxes 9. Sesame Street 10. Comfort Crew for Military Kids III. USO WARRIOR AND FAMILY PROGRAMS USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 3

4 Who do we serve? i. Active Duty Troops ii. Military Families iii. Troops in Transition iv. Wounded, Ill and Injured Troops, their Families and Caregivers v. Families of the Fallen A. ACTIVE DUTY TROOPS i. USO2GO: Designed to send much-needed electronic gaming, sports/musical equipment and personal care items to troops in remote locations, USO2GO was launched in 2008 to ensure that troops in the field have some of the small comforts of home. USO2GO bundles have been delivered to more than 800 remote places like Afghanistan, Iraq, the Philippines, Egypt, Djibouti, Jordan, Australia, Kuwait and Northwest Africa. To date, the USO has shipped more than 1,475 bundles, and USO2GO continues to be the most requested program directly from the field to help our deployed troops relax and recharge. ii. MOBILE USO: Acting as a USO centers on wheels, Mobile USOs offer troops the same kind of great support the USO provides in an airport or installation location. These large mobile centers travel to big events and military exercises to provide a place for troops to relax during downtime, provides USO service to areas without a brick and mortar USO center and support our centers and the community in times of crisis. Each Mobile USO offers troops laptops, large screen televisions, video game consoles, Wi-Fi access, casual seating, refrigerators, coffee makers and microwaves. The Mobile USO provided onsite support including heat, video games, movies and free Wi-Fi to keep the troops connected to loved ones back home. In 2014, Mobile USOs hosted 105 events and served more than 35,000 people. The Mobile USOs also expanded their reach by supporting various National Guard training exercises in remote locations throughout the United States, including Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Camp Raid, South Dakota, Camp Roberts, California, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin and Camp Grayling, Michigan. In addition, the Mobile USO Program continued to support all the Ride2Recovery Challenges, along with a variety of homecoming, deployment, and family day events. iii. iv. MEGS: Packaged in small, rugged containers, our Mobile Entertainment Gaming System (MEGS) provides entertainment options to troops in remote locations. Within minutes of opening a MEGS, troops are watching a movie or playing a video game. A tent is quickly transformed into a movie theater or game room allowing those in harm's way a chance to relax and recharge. In 2014, 92 MEGS were distributed to troops around the world and supported more than 14,000 troops. Most have been sent to Afghanistan; however, MEGS have also been sent to support units deployed to Australia, Guam, Philippines, and Marines on Embassy duty. To keep our troops connected with the latest technology, MEGS distributed in 2015 will include the latest gaming consoles including the new XBOX ONE. To better support our deployed troops, the USO will increase deliveries to locations in Africa and expand partnerships with U.S. embassies around the world. HOLIDAY CARE PACKAGES: USO Holiday Care Packages include decorations, snacks, DVDs and games to help troops serving in remote corners of the world celebrate American USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 4

5 holidays. In 2015, the USO has continued to offer seasonal holiday care packages to help keep our deployed troops connected to home. This summer, we will ship at least 20 themed boxes as our troops celebrate Independence Day away from home. Expeditionary troops can also look forward to fall holiday boxes which will feature a Halloween/Thanksgiving theme to help them celebrate the holidays. B. MILITARY FAMILIES i. OPERATION PHONE HOME : Operation Phone Home is one of the most frequently requested services from our forward-deployed troops. At our centers located in combat zones, troops use the USO s private phone network to make free phone calls home, access computers with free high-speed Internet bandwidth and free wireless Internet access for troops with their own computers. More and more expectant fathers take advantage of this free Internet access to virtually accompany their wives in the delivery room for the birth of their children. In Southwest Asia alone, connectivity is the number one reason troops visit our centers. In 2014, more than 1.4 million calls were placed by deployed troops that is more than 13 million minutes of free talk time for troops to reconnect with their families. The USO also provided a total of 863,692 wifi sessions in Afghanistan and Kuwait. For those forward-deployed troops who are serving in remote areas without access to our centers, in 2014, the USO provided 60,000 free international prepaid calling cards. To date, the USO has provided more than 3.2 million free prepaid international calling cards, allowing troops stationed overseas to connect with their loved ones back home. In other places around the world, many USO centers also offer free Internet and free phone calls. ii. iii. SESAME STREET/USO EXPERIENCE: The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families made its debut in July 2008 and is the longest running entertainment tour in USO history. The tour is designed to help military families deal with the unique challenges they face. As of June 2015, the tour has taken its message to 522,168 troops and military families and performed 965 shows on 147 military installations in 33 states and 11 countries. Additionally, the tour has logged more than 172,000 miles and distributed more than 2.6 million giveaways. The 2015 tour kicked off in May with the debut of a brand new show centered around the transition from military to civilian life in addition to its ever popular show about moving. The 2015 tour is scheduled to perform more than 100 shows at 45 military bases in nine countries. In addition to tour stops around the world, through our partnership with Sesame Workshop, the USO supports military families by providing tools to help them adapt to many of life s challenges. The USO offers an array of DVDs, including two sets of When Families Grieve and Little Children, Big Challenges: Divorce distributing more than 8,300 copies this year to USO centers and other military service agencies worldwide. OPERATION THAT S MY DRESS: USO Operation That s My Dress gives military teens, female service members and spouses the chance to pick out a brand new gown or cocktail dress from some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Operation That s My Dress begins with a Fashion Show, featuring professional models showcasing evening/ formal wear by world class designers and entertainment by the USO Show Troupe. The event also typically features a Beauty Bar with jewelry and fashion accessories for participants to get a completely accessorized look from head to toe. A Dress Expo, filled with hundreds of dress options, opens after the Fashion Show and models pair up with attendees to help them find the dress of their dreams. During the Dress Expo, stylists are on hand providing hair and USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 5

6 make-up demonstrations and consultations to give participants additional resources to help them feel confident and beautiful. iv. USO AND WHAT TO EXPECT FOUNDATION PRESENT SPECIAL DELIVERY: In 2013, the USO launched a new partnership with the What to Expect Foundation to host baby showers for military moms-to-be around the globe. Each of the showers include a question and answer session with Heidi Murkoff, the best-selling author of the What to Expect book series and features traditional baby shower activities. The shower events are hosted by Murkoff in collaboration with a USO center and provide a touch of home for moms-to-be who are often away from their families, friends and support network when they are expecting. Since launching in August 2013, the program has supported more than 1,100 military spouses and expectant active-duty mothers. Twelve Special Delivery events are planned for 2015 and will support expecting mothers in the U.S., Pacific and Europe. v. USO TINY TOTS PROGRAM: This popular program connects new moms and dads who are physically separated by deployment when their children are born. Deployed parents can request a USO Tiny Tots gift through their nearest USO center in Southwest Asia, Europe and the Pacific. Upon the child s birth, the USO will ship a gift to mom and the new baby. The USO Tiny Tots packages include a lotion gift set, cuddle buddy, multipurpose USO tote bag, USO bib and a personalized card from dad. The program helps to ease the deployment separation by letting new moms know that we thank them for their sacrifice during their loved one s deployment. Since the program s launch in 2013, 100% of USO Tiny Tots gift recipients we heard from agreed or strongly agreed that their spirits were lifted when their package arrived and 97% of the troops who completed a survey agreed or strongly agreed that sending a USO Tiny Tots package home made them feel more connected to their loved ones. vi. UNITED THROUGH READING S MILITARY PROGRAM: One of the most powerful things we do is connect a separated parent with their children back home. In 2006, the USO partnered with United Through Reading to host its nationally recognized reading program at select USO centers worldwide. Whether troops are stationed at a forward operating base in Afghanistan or otherwise geographically separated, they can visit their participating USO center to read a story aloud to their child. Story time is recorded on camera, and the USO mails this priceless DVD and book home. Children can watch and listen to their parent at bedtime, naptime or anytime. Families complete the circle by sending back a touch of home a photo of the child watching their deployed mom or dad reading the book. In 2014, more than 18,000 recordings were mailed to military families worldwide. C. TROOPS IN TRANSITION The need to support transitioning troops and their families is essential. The Chairman s Office of Reintegration estimates that more than 200,000 service members will transition back into civilian communities each year during the next five years. In the spring of 2015, the USO Transition 360 Alliance was announced. This initiative is used to help military personnel and their families successfully transition back into civilian life after their service ends. Annually, 474,500 troops and family members begin the transition process. That means each day 1,300 service and family members face challenges such as finding a job, moving to a new place or starting at a different school. The USO Transition 360 Alliance will focus on three key pillars of a successful transition back into civilian life: a career, a plan, and a strong family. From a single USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 6

7 service member who is moving home after leaving the military to live with his or her parents after only four years in the mliitary, to the service member who has spent a 25 year career in the mliitary and is transitioning out with their spouse and their children, the USO is building a roadmap to help them navigate this journey. The USO Transition 360 Alliance partners include: Comfort Crew for Military Kids (Austin, TX), supports military kids and teens as they overcome the obstacles of growing up in a military family and transitioning out of the military. Hire Heroes USA (Alpharetta, GA), provides active duty and wounded, ill, or injured troops and their spouses with tools, resources, and networking opportunities to meet their career goals. RP/6 (Lakewood, WA), a team of case navigators known as Scouts providing a unique concierge approach creating action plans for the service/family members to ensure they are supported through a no wrong door experience. This methodology is effective via a coordinated network of public/private local and national resources who are connected through the ease of RP/6 delivery. Stronger Families (Seattle, WA), helps military couples to reconnect and strengthen their relationships by establishing effective ways of communicating and building trust and hope. The USO Transition 360 Alliance will leverage the USO s global resources and the programmatic expertise of the partners specializing in military-to-civilian transitions to provide essential services to help troops and families navigate this process. The USO Transition 360 Alliance partners selected by the USO demonstrated a record of excellence and the ability to meet the needs of troops and scale their services globally. Below is an expanded description of each of the USO Transition 360 Alliance partners: i. COMFORT CREW FOR MILITARY KIDS: The USO partners with the Comfort Crew for Military Kids to send award-winning author and motivational speaker Trevor Romain on tour to promote self-confidence and resiliency in military children ages 6 to 15 years old. Military families tell us about the power and impact Trevor has in helping military children tackle bullying in schools, adjust to life during and post-deployment, and coping when a parent makes the ultimate sacrifice. Using innovative, inspiring and humorous stories, Trevor has spoken with thousands of children about the difficulties military kids face. Annually, Trevor and his crew embark on a multi-city With You All the Way! tour providing presentations to military children living throughout the U.S. As a complement to his USO tours, Trevor created a series of helpful kits that include DVDs, journals and other elements to help families cope with deployment, injury or wounds, both seen and unseen, grief from the loss of a loved one and a future offering that will support reintegration. Comfort Crew for Military Kids Comfort Kits are distributed through USO centers around the globe. In 2015, the USO will host the With You All the Way Tour! at more than 25 locations and provide over 150 opportunities for military kids to engage with the Trevor and team. The Comfort Crew for Military Kids program will also expand it s reach as a joining member to the USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 7

8 new USO Transition 360 Alliance. Future program offerings will include a new tour presentation, as well as a new online web platform that will help parents and children as they look to the new challenges that a life outside of the military may bring. Both are planned to launch in ii. USO TRANSITION 360 ALLIANCE EMPLOYMENT EVENTS (Formerly: USO/HIRE HEROES USA TRANSITION WORKSHOPS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITY DAYS): The USO, in collaboration with Hire Heroes USA (a Transition 360 Alliance member), hosts career transition workshops, career opportunity days and remote services for active-duty troops, wounded, ill and injured troops, their spouses and caregivers. The workshops focus on resume writing, mock interviews, professional work practices and translating prior military experience into a civilian career. As a follow up to the workshops, the USO works with Hire Heroes USA to host Career Opportunity Days. These non-traditional career transition events connect employers with participants based on interest and background, the participants are pre-matched with these employers and USO requires the companies that participate to have actual job openings available. Employers conduct introductory interviews and provide feedback to these men and women who, in many cases, have never participated in a civilian interview. Career Opportunity Days are limited to 15 employers and 40 to 60 transitioning troops and veterans, their spouses and caregivers to ensure these events provide an environment conducive to one-on-one interaction and networking. For those service members who are unable to attend a Transition Workshop due to timing or location, we are offering remote service delivery. This includes all the support and materials of the Transition Workshop, but it is conducted one-on-one with a Transition Specialist over the phone and . In 2014, the USO hosted 96 workshops and 22 Career Opportunity Days. This included a pilot for the delivery of these events to locations in Germany and Italy. In 2015, the USO will continue to provide this program domestically and abroad to active-duty troops and their spouses and the USO will host more than 100 Hire Heroes USA events, and will include remote service delivery so that all transitioning service members, regardless of their geographic location will have the opportunity to prepare for their transition. Over the course of this program, USO and Hire Heroes USA have placed nearly 800 individuals in careers. iii. RP/6: RP/6 (formerly RallyPoint/6) has created a unique transition model by opening a facility that in military terms can be coined a rally point or civilian one-stop-shop and is centered with the intent to connect targeted resources for transitioning service members and their families in more efficient, effective, and positive ways. The USO expects to open our first pilot sites in the summer of 2015 and continue with additional sites throughout the rest of By partnering with RP/6, the USO will provide a first-of-its kind concierge approach globally for connecting troops and their families with specific resources and organizations, within their community that will support them on their path forward. The new USO/RP6 locations will be co-located with USO centers across the country. By opening multiple USO/RP6 locations, service members will be better served globally, and will have consistent support in various locations, eventually at most major military installations. iv. STRONGER FAMILIES: The USO works with Stronger Families to bring the Oxygen Seminar to military couples to help them strengthen their relationships while working on tough USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 8

9 issues in a fun and nonthreatening environment. Couples learn to improve their communication, better understand each other s needs, resolve conflict, rekindle romance and find renewed hope. In 2014, 51 couples Oxygen Seminars were held across the country, including 11 seminars for wounded, ill and injured troops and their spouses. As a USO Transition 360 Alliance partner, the USO is continuing to work with Stronger Families to increase the offering of the Oxygen events in 2015 to 95 total. In addition, we are scaling the program to reach more troops and their families through multiple platforms, to include an interactive online platform and website, Oxygen 365. This platform will customize a growth plan for couples that includes access to expert podcasts covering topics such as communication, conflict resolution, intimacy, finances and issues related to predeployment, deployment and reintegration. D. WOUNDED, ILL AND INJURED TROOPS, THEIR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS i. USO WARRIOR AND FAMILY CENTERS: Opened in 2003, the USO Warrior Center at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Landstuhl, Germany provides a home away from home to wounded service members. In 2014, the USO Warrior Center averaged more than 4,000 warrior visits per month, supporting a wounded, ill and injured troops. This includes many troops who visit multiple times daily between medical appointments. A wide spectrum of programs and activities are always going on, but the most popular feature among the troops are the home-cooked meals and family-style cookouts. On April 1, 2014, we opened the doors to our second USO Warrior and Family Center located at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, home of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Since its grand opening, the center has been visited more than 79,000 times. The facility offers a comprehensive array of specialized services and programs in a supportive and home-like setting. The more than 16,000-square-foot facility includes classrooms, sports lounges, business centers, healing gardens and more, was created expressly for our nation s healing heroes and their families. Our USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, with more than 22,000 square feet dedicated to serving our nation s wounded, ill and injured troops, their families and caregivers, as well as the active-duty and military families, has already been visited more than 150,000 times in The Fort Belvoir facility is a state-of-the-art, ADA-compliant space offering a place for troops and families to relax, learn and have fun away from the grind of the hospital. The communal kitchen, with its sleek-yet-natural design and bounty of treats, is one of the central traffic points in the USO Warrior & Family Center at Fort Belvoir. Simply put, it s where everyone wants to be, whether they re grabbing a snack, fixing a favorite meal, running into old friends or meeting new ones. Sponsors have hosted dinners in the kitchen, the dining room and the outdoor grill, which has also been popular for barbecues and entertainment. The art studio offers a variety of art programs which can be therapeutic for troops and their families as well as our healing heroes. Some of the classes have included wood carving, creative writing and a Combat Paper Workshop. Another frequently used space has been the Respite Suite, which has offered massage/reiki and yoga. The Business Center has also been a busy gathering point for troops and families with its computer workstations as well as places to connect a laptop or ipad, as well as copy and fax services. USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 9

10 ii. iii. iv. USO CAREGIVERS SEMINARS: Caregivers Seminars provide caregivers (husbands, wives, parents, hospital staff and other family members supporting wounded, ill and injured troops) practical advice and valuable information about available resources. Sessions address such topics as post-traumatic stress disorder, caregiver boundaries and intimacy, compassion fatigue, parenting, childhood grief and caregiver resiliency. Two seminars were held in 2014, supporting hundreds of caregivers and providing a forum to speak candidly about the issues they face while seeking advice from subject-matter experts and fellow caregivers. The USO will once again host four Caregiver Seminars in 2015, the first of which took place May 28 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. The summer USO Caregivers Seminar will take place August 28 in Colorado Springs, Colorado and two fall seminars are scheduled for Seattle, Washington and Fort Hood, Texas. WARRIOR CARE PACKS: When wounded and injured troops arrive at a medical facility from a combat zone, they typically arrive with few, if any, personal items. The USO Warrior Care Pack supports our transitioning troops by providing items that the troops have identified as making a real impact on their recovery process and allows them to heal with some of the comforts of home. The packs include items such as shampoo, deodorant, lip balm, comfortable clothing and a blanket. Since the program s start in 2012 the USO has shipped more than 4,500 Warrior Care Packs to locations around the globe. In 2014 the Warrior Care Pack program received support from Dr. Jill Biden, who hosted Senate and military spouses hygiene kit assembly event at the Vice President s Residence and the USO hosted two Congressional hygiene kit assembly service projects on Capitol Hill. Collectively the three events helped to assemble more than 4,500 hygiene kits to be included within Warrior Care Packs. Additionally, more than 1,000 Warrior Care Packs will be distributed at the 2015 Warrior Games in Quantico, VA. WARRIOR GAMES: The 2014 Warrior Games marked the fifth year the USO has supported the annual event. Each year, the Warrior Games brings together more than 200 wounded, ill and injured troops from all branches to compete in Olympic-style events such as archery, cycling, wheelchair basketball, shooting, swimming, track & field and seated volleyball. In June 2015, the USO will continue to support the Warrior Games in Quantico, VA. E. FAMILIES OF THE FALLEN The USO has supported every dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base since March USO centers are located in the heart of Dover Air Force Base to support families of the fallen, as well as those troops assigned to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs complex. Additionally, as family notifications occur at all times of the day and night, the USO works 24/7 to coordinate among USO centers across the country to support and comfort families traveling to and from Dover, meeting the myriad needs of families who have just received tragic news. In 2014, the USO was there for more than 600 family members at dignified transfers at Dover last year. The USO s reach expands beyond Dover, with a vast network of support for our families of the fallen from coast to coast. The USO also supports the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice through our partnerships with organizations such as the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and Fisher House, as well as the support received at various USO centers across the United States. The USO and TAPS also provide Survivor Resource Kits to newly bereaved family members. Filled with comfort items, books of support, personal notes and information, these USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 10

11 kits provide a warm embrace in the form of a carefully crafted package. Each kit is carefully tailored to the specific family s circumstance of loss, relationship to the deceased, cause of death and other family needs that are shared with us. For our nation s smallest heroes, the USO supports TAPS Good Grief Camps, TAPS Kids Campouts, Adult Retreats and the Annual Suicide Survivor Conference. The camps provide a safe atmosphere for children to connect with others coping with similar feelings, helping them to establish a support system. No matter what the hour or the need, the USO is there for the families of the fallen. F. ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES The USO is probably best known for entertainment tours that bring celebrities and performers who donate their time and talents to visit our troops and families wherever they serve. As of June 2015 the USO deployed 62 celebrity entertainers on 31 tours to 21 countries and 16 states, and entertained more than 50,258 troops and military families. Eight of these tours were to a combat zone. Highlights include NFL Players Dwayne Allen, David DeCastro and Andrew Luck, Jason Wee Man Acuna, Dennis Haysbert, Miss America Kira Kazantsev, Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano and Phillip Phillips joining Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Winnefeld on his fourth and final USO tour, a sneak peak screening of Unfinished Business featuring Vince Vaughn, chefs Robert Irvine and Carla Hall, actors Channing Tatum and Adam Rodriguez, US Olympic Gold Medalists Ryan Lochte and Tyler Clary, NASCAR drivers Kyle Larson, Tony Stewart and Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III continuing NASCAR S five year partnership with the USO, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band on their 66 th USO tour, Trace Adkins on his 11 th USO tour, Steve Byrne, on his 7th USO Tour, headlined the first USO tour in Iraq since 2011, and Hunter Hayes on his third USO tour. The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families tour kicked off in May with the debut of a brand new show centered around the transition from military to civilian life in addition to its ever popular show about moving. The 2015 tour is expected to perform more than 100 shows at 45 military bases in nine countries. i. JOINING FORCES: The USO partners with the White House Joining Forces initiative to strengthen military families around the world. Joining Forces focuses on three key issues facing military families education, employment and wellness. The USO s support of this initiative includes creating Mother s Day gift boxes with the congressional spouses and book readings for military families stateside and in Germany featuring Dr. Jill Biden and her children's book "Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops." The USO also supports the annual Salute to the Military USO Concert on July 4, hosted by president and Mrs. Obama, featuring major performing artists who perform for military families on the South Lawn of the White House. Last year s concert featured international recording artist Pitbull. Additionally, in 2014, the vice president and Dr. Jill Biden hosted a private barbecue dinner at their residence in honor of more than 100 wounded warrior athletes headed to Europe to compete in the inaugural Invictus Games. The dinner was hosted on the heels of the USO s sendoff pep rally for the athletes. G. WARRIOR AND FAMILY PROGRAMS GRANT-BASED PROGRAMMING The USO has long-standing relationships with many nonprofit organizations that serve the military and their families, and we are proud to continue this support through both direct collaboration and funding to help these groups to extend their reach and impact in serving more troops and their families. In many instances, the USO provides volunteer support at these events. USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 11

12 i. PROJECT SANCTUARY: Active-duty, veteran and wounded warrior families participate in a six day therapeutic retreat nestled into the varied terrains of Colorado, Texas and Utah. With a focus on supporting the family as a whole unit, retreats use therapeutic recreation as a way to reconnect and reintegrate along with sessions for healthy marriages and finance support. Past retreat successes have strengthened the Project Sanctuary founding principles that healing takes time and requires the family to be together in an environment in which they feel comfortable. Retreat activities include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, snow skiing and art and all sessions carry a therapeutic component tailored to each individual s physical and mental needs. In 2014, the USO supported more than 70 families through this program. ii. iii. iv. FAMILY STRENGTHENING CAMPS: Partnerships with best-in-class organizations like the National Military Family Association and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) give the USO the opportunity to provide our nation s healing heroes and their families, as well as families of the fallen, with the chance to reconnect, reintegrate and rejuvenate. The camps offer specific programming uniquely geared to the challenges our military families face. For example, camps create opportunities for children to meet other children whose parents have sustained a wound, illness or injury. Families leave these events with the tools they need to help them adapt to challenges and keep their families strong and together. In 2014, the USO supported 28 camps. In 2015, the USO will continue to provide military families with opportunities to build resilient and lasting bonds. RENOVATINGHOPE: Through collaboration with the nonprofit RenovatingHope, the USO supports wounded, ill and injured troops and their families by providing basic housing rehabilitation services. The troops are referred directly from military installation commands. They are identified as having an immediate need, living in conditions that are causing severe financial strain and family despair, are physically unable to make the repairs themselves, and/or do not have sufficient income to hire qualified contractors to complete the work. In 2014, RenovatingHope completed 9 home repair projects some of which included substantial repairs to the entire structure of the homes. In 2015, the USO and RenovatingHope will continue to provide life-changing home renovations to our troops in need. RIDE 2 RECOVERY: Whether it s climbing a steep mountain or racing down a flat road with their bicycle adapted to fit whatever their physical challenge might be, Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) participants conquer their fears and prove they are warriors even away from the battlefield. The USO partners with Ride 2 Recovery, providing more than 60 bicycles for participants, as well as adaptive bicycles and support for Project Hero, a cycling training group based at various hospital and transition facilities that prepares ride participants for upcoming events and support for the R2R Women s Initiatives. In addition, the Mobile USO provided lunch and support for 7 rides in In 2015, the USO will support 6 R2R events, including a ride in Germany and a Memorial Day challenge, a six-day trek from Washington, D.C. to Virginia Beach, Virginia which kicked off from the Vice President s Residence. IV. PROVIDING THE RESOURCES FOR USO PROGRAMS AND SERVICES We often hear from people who say they want to give back to our nation s troops but they don t know how to get involved. The USO provides a variety of ways to show support and appreciation for our military heroes and help make a difference in their lives. Individuals, corporations or USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 12

13 organizations can find creative ways to give at choosing from a number of fundraising options such as competing in an athletic event or organizing a custom event. In addition to shopping the virtual gift catalog at Americans can also visit or to make their online donation. A. USO WISHBOOK: Found at USOWISHBOOK.org, this online alternative giving catalog offers donors a way to support the USO by purchasing symbolic gifts for friends and loved ones that help America s troops and their families. Since the launch of USO Wishbook in 2011, nearly 2 million dollars has been raised to support our nation s military community. To date, more than 61,000 gifts have been purchased. The most popular gifts are Phone Calls Home, Comfort Food Package, Deployment Kit and Long Distance Bedtime Stories. Throughout the year, gifts are added in honor of special gift giving occasions and as USO programs and services expand. USO Wishbook leverages print and corporate partnership integrations to grow this online giving opportunity and continue to give Americans a way to support our troops and their families in a fun, creative and simple way. B. EVERY MOMENT COUNTS: The USO launched Every Moment Counts (EMC), a national campaign to rally Americans to honor and create moments that matter for our troops and their families, on Veterans Day 2013 with a surprise troop proposal on Good Morning America. Every Moment Counts refers to the countless, everyday moments from the front porch to the front lines that our troops and their families forego through their commitment and service to our country. While many of us take these everyday moments for granted, from family dinners and date nights, children s births, bedtime stories, the holidays and school dances our troops and their families often miss them. Our job is to help them recapture these moments. In May 2014, the USO broke the Guinness World Record for most signatures on a flag as part of our Signatures of Thanks EMC promotion. Individual panels were signed around the world as a way to say thank you to our service members. More than 115,405 indiivduals participated in this promotion. This year, the USO challenged itself and the American public to work together to make A Million Moments in May for our troops and their families. In just 31 days, we met and exceeded our goal with over 1.1 million moments created for troops and their families worldwide. To get involved in Every Moment Counts, Americans can go to USOmoments.org to Take a Moment to thank our troops and learn more about the challenges they and their families face, or to Give a Moment by donating to the USO to help provide the programs and resources that support our troops around the world. USO supporters can also join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter using #USOmoments. USO meets all 20 Better Business Bureau Standards for Charity Accountability and is a Gold-level GuideStar Exchange participant, demonstrating its commitment to transparency. To learn more about the USO and how we serve our troops and their families, visit us at: uso.org USOmoments.org Blog.uso.org Facebook.com/TheUSO Twitter.com/The_USO flickr.com/photos/theuso USO Contact: Gayle Fishel, Director of Public Relations (GFishel@uso.org) 13