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Amanda Phillips
"My husband had been deployed for two days, and I was trying to move myself, my dog, and my possessions to be closer to family while he was going to be gone. To add to it all, I was 19 weeks pregnant. I had some trouble with the airline I was flying with as they would not allow me to get on the plane with my dog. The airline employee was extremely rude and unhelpful, which reduced me to tears. I eventually got a later flight, but was hungry and extremely upset. I had not been able to communicate with my husband since he had left because our apartment phone and internet had been disconnected in preparation for my move. I was wandering around the airport and noticed a sign for the USO. I was so relieved and headed straight there. I was greeted by an extremely kind man, and when he asked me if he could get me something I just started to cry. I felt extremely stupid, because I normally don't cry, but it had been a very stressful week. He was so nice and got me some breakfast and showed me how to use the computers so that I could read the e-mails that my husband had sent since he had been gone. My husband and I are both extremely grateful for the USO and the extreme amounts of kindness they showed me on one of the most stressful days of my life. I just wanted to express my thanks!"
SSG Steven Lepine
"I just wanted to take the time to thank you for all you do to support the men and women in uniform. I had the opportunity to visit the USO Mobile Canteen that visited here at Madigan Army Medical Center, Ft. Lewis, Wash. I am a ward supervisor in the Medical/Surgical Department and have contact with many soldiers returning from Iraq/Afghanistan. Organizations like yours make it possible to help many of these men and women when we can't. Your volunteers help boost moral and provide emotional support. THAT in itself can be the best therapy that any person can provide.
I had the chance to work with your organization while deployed in 2003 in Kuwait, providing medical coverage for a USO Show at Camp Doha. I was moved by the presence of those who took time out of their busy lives (Wayne Newton, Gary Sinese, Brittany Murphy, Kid Rock, the list goes on) to entertain us.
I will always be grateful for everything you have done and are doing now. Thank you for taking care of, and supporting my patients, my soldiers, and me."
Patricia Tomaszewski
"I volunteer at the James S. McDonnell USO in St. Louis. I joined the USO shortly after my nephew, Don Cary (see picture), went into the Army in July 2004. Don is Military Police and Airborne at Ft. Bragg, N.C. He shared with the family how good the USO was to him and the traveling military. My husband, who was in the Army during the Vietnam War, remembers also how good the USO was to him during his tour. So we have several generations of those who know of the good work the USO is known for. I cannot join the military but I joined the USO so that I could serve those who serve our country."
Richard Don Simms
"Howdy USO, I play banjo for the great troops every Thursday at the USO DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) Airport. I've been playing there since Jan. 2005. The volunteers at the USO DFW Airport do a fabulous job assisting the troops every day. I wear coveralls and funny hat and colorful tie."
One Grateful Sailor
"Just want to thank the USO in Chicago, Ill., for all the support and help at the Navy Pier USO. My mother came out prior to my departure for deployment and had the time of her life. She enjoyed one great Cinco de Mayo celebration with helpful civilians. Our traveling time was well worth it with all your help, thanks again!"