United Service Organizations

The Organization


Our Mission

The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.

For nearly 75 years, the USO has been the nation’s leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, and their families, throughout their time in uniform. From the moment they join, through their assignments and deployments, and as they transition back to their communities, the USO is always by their side.

Today’s USO continuously adapts to the needs of our men and women in uniform and their families, so they can focus on their very important mission. We operate USO centers at or near military installations across the United States and throughout the world, including in combat zones, and even un-staffed USO service sites in places too dangerous for anyone but combat troops to occupy.

USO airport centers throughout the country offer around-the clock hospitality for traveling service members and their families. Our trademark USO tours bring America and its celebrities to service members who are assigned far from home, to entertain them and convey the support of the nation. And our many specialized programs offer a continuum support to service members throughout their journey of service, from the first time they don the uniform until they last time they take it off.

The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection.

History

Just prior to the onset of America’s involvement in World War II in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to unite several service associations into one organization to lift the morale of our military and nourish support on the home front. Those entities – the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board - became the United Service Organizations or, the USO.

Today, the USO has continued to support our nation’s military and their families for over seven decades as they defend our country and its freedoms. By providing support to our servicemen and women as they perform their most challenging duties around the world, our credo is to be always by their side.

The reach of the USO’s 160 centers extends to countries on every continent except Antarctica, operated by thousands of staff and volunteers whose goals are to match our service members’ vigilance and provide best-in-class service to those who sacrifice so much for America.

Leadership

Led by CEO and President Dr. J.D. Crouch II, the USO’s staff and thousands of dedicated volunteers operate more than 160 centers worldwide. This team, along with the USO Board of Governors, brings knowledge and expertise essential to the USO’s ability to deliver high-quality programs and services to our men and women in uniform, wherever they serve.
◾Dr. J.D. Crouch II, CEO & President
◾Paul G. Allvin, Senior Vice President, Brand Advancement
◾Lisa Turner Anastasi, Senior Vice President, Development and Chief Development Officer
◾Tammy L. Heiser, Senior Vice President, Human Resources
◾Philip A. Parisi, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
◾Alan J. Reyes, Senior Vice President, Operations
◾USO Board of Governors

USO Congressional Caucus

The USO Congressional Caucus was formed in 2003 to enhance the outreach efforts of the American people to U.S. service members and their families, providing another critical link between service members and their representatives. Bipartisan and bicameral, the caucus brings together members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives who have a mutually shared interest in supporting and improving the lives of our service members and their families.

With more than 200 members, the USO Congressional Caucus unites our leaders and helps strengthen the bridge that supports our military by keeping America’s service members connected to family, home and country.

The USO Congressional Caucus is led by Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) and Rep. Tim Walz (DFL-MN), who serve as Honorary Co-Chairs. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) serve as Co-Chairs.

For more information, contact the USO’s Congressional Caucus Representative.

The 2015 USO Congressional Caucus