USO

“The biggest challenge I faced while deployed was being far away from my family and friends. There were many times when we didn’t have Wi-Fi or cellular service, so being able to connect with my loved ones, both near and far, meant a lot. A temporary Center like this plays a huge role because it gives me access to Wi-Fi and allows me to stay connected with my family while I’m here conducting essential duties for the military.” For service members thousands of miles from home, connection isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline. During Exercise Keris Strike 2026 in Malaysia, U.S., Malaysian and Australian forces trained side by side to strengthen interoperability and readiness. After demanding training days, more than 800 U.S. service members were able to turn to a temporary USO Center at Camp Paradise to rest, recharge and reconnect with the people who matter most. Click here to learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x4W4W. 📸: Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon

For 25+ years, the USO and FedEx have supported service members and their families worldwide. Recently, FedEx volunteers assembled 10,000 care packages during FWS Day of Service, honoring founder Fred Smith and his enduring commitment to the USO mission. #FedExCares

The oldest military decoration still actively bestowed on service members, the Purple Heart Medal has a long and storied history. Throughout it all, its meaning has not changed. Today on National Purple Heart Day, we pause to honor our wounded and fallen service members. Learn nine facts about the Purple Heart Medal here: https://brnw.ch/21x4KKe 📸: U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexander Hill

Happy 236th birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard! From protecting our nation’s ports and waterways, to conducting search and rescue missions, to contributing to scientific research, to deploying wherever they’re needed, our Coasties are always ready to carry out their mission. The USO is proud to stand by the side of the people who serve in the Coast Guard through every step of their military journey. 📸: U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard/Seaman Milan

We're #hiring a new Manager, Gifts Administration in Arlington, Virginia. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We had an incredible time with our friends at Wawa, Inc. earlier this month celebrating the power of service and partnership! During Wawa Hoagie Day, Wawa associates, partners and volunteers came together to prepare 30,000 fresh hoagies for local communities. The USO was happy to contribute to an inspiring tradition that reflects Wawa's commitment to giving back. We were also honored to attend the annual Wawa Salute to Service celebration, where two exceptional USO volunteers were recognized for their outstanding dedication to the military community. Congratulations to Candace Dunning from the USO Center at Dover Air Force Base and David Peterson from the USO Philadelphia International Airport Center on this well-deserved honor. Their compassion and commitment to supporting the people who serve exemplify the USO mission. Thank you, Wawa, for your continued partnership and unwavering support of those who serve. We're proud to stand alongside you in making a lasting impact on our military community.

We're #hiring a new Corporate Development Officer in Arlington, Virginia. Apply today or share this post with your network.

The USO Center aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier has been renovated and is officially re-opened! Originally made possible through the generosity of the National Football League (NFL), and now freshly renovated through the continued support of the NFL and other generous donors, these spaces serve as a home away from home for thousands of sailors. Here, they can step away from the pressures of deployment for a few moments of quiet and comfort, read a book from the library, or refuel with a snack or a cup of coffee. The Center also promotes connection — either by playing a video game and watching TV with their fellow shipmates, or by calling home from the private, soundproof phone booth to reach the people who matter most. For the sailors and aviators who spend months deployed at sea, these spaces provide more than just amenities. They offer a place to recharge, to connect with loved ones and to find a sense of home while serving far from it. With this re-opening, the USO now has 23 USO Centers aboard U.S. military aircraft carriers, destroyers and amphibious ships, with more on the horizon — all made possible by the support of the American people.

We are saddened by the loss of Maverick, a beloved Great Dane therapy dog who was named the first-ever USO Canine Volunteer of the Year in 2023. For many years, Maverick welcomed service members at USO Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri alongside his owner, Kelly Brownfield, while she served as the Center Manager. With an incredible ability to sense what people needed, Maverick brought comfort to service members during some of their most difficult moments, including supporting those on suicide watch with the quiet, unconditional companionship that helped guide them toward healing. He also brought joy and reassurance to military children, listening patiently as they practiced reading and offering comfort as they navigated deployments, illness, loss and other challenges. We will always remember and celebrate Maverick's contributions to the USO Canine Program, the legacy he leaves behind, and the many ways he strengthened the well-being of service members and their families. Thank you, Maverick. 📸: Kelly Brownfield

On the Fourth of July, the USO celebrated America’s 250th birthday with the Parade of Sail in New York City, as part of #Sail250, at the Intrepid Museum. The USO operated a pop-up Center aboard the USS Arlington throughout the event, providing a welcoming space for the more than 1,000 sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members who visited the ship. This #America250 maritime celebration was especially meaningful, as the USO continues to expand support for sailors by bringing our mission directly aboard U.S. Navy ships, creating spaces that help them recharge and stay connected throughout long deployments. Thank you to the event’s sponsors, USAA, Fox News Media, Delta Air Lines, Humana, Navy Federal Credit Union, National Basketball Association (NBA) and United Airlines for their continued support of the people who serve this nation. #USO4USA