In 1941, before the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted to create a new organization that would focus on lifting the morale of military personnel and encourage support on the home front.
The President approached the Salvation Army, the Young Men’s Christian Association, the Young Woman’s Christian Association, the National Catholic Community Services, the National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board.
These groups collaborated to create a new organization, the United Service Organizations (USO).
The USO has operated as a separate and independent organization whose goals are to meet the needs of men and women serving in the armed forces and to also serve their families. One of the ways that they supported our military was to organize tours to visit the troops.
I can remember watching Christmas specials on TV that showed highlights from these tours. Bob Hope was the master of ceremonies and the tours would include some famous young actresses. In the days before satellite access, these shows may have been a rare opportunity for the troops to be entertained while serving abroad. It seemed to me that the servicemen enjoyed the entertainment provided by the young actresses more than the jokes provided by Bob Hope.
The USO also established more than 250 centers near military installations and at airports. When I was travelling with my son and his family, I had the opportunity to visit one of the airport centers. There is always someone, usually a volunteer, there to welcome you. The service personnel as well as his or her family are welcome. Light snacks and beverages are free of charge. Comfortable chairs are available, and a TV can help fill the time between connecting flights or during flight delays. There are board games to help children pass the time at the airport.
During the winter season when weather delays are common in our area, the centers at Midway and O’Hare airports can be a quiet refuge for the weary traveler. The volunteer staff can even provide wake up service when necessary to make sure that flights are not missed.
For the past 80 years the USO has been lifting the spirits of military personnel. You can visit their website, USO.org, if you want to learn more about their organization.
I also was told a cheerful USO volunteer even attended the recent opening of Mission BBQ in Naperville!