| Type | Services |
|---|---|
| Founded | 4 February 1941 |
| Headquarters | Arlington, Va |
| Key people | Sloan D. Gibson President and CEO |
| Area served | 140 centers worldwide |
| Focus | morale, welfare, recreational support for US military personnel and families |
| Revenue | Donations |
| Volunteers | 44,000 |
| Motto | Until Every One Comes Home |
| Website | USO Home |
The United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) offers recreational support for members of the U.S. military. The USO provides programs in 140 centers worldwide funded by private and public donations and support from the United States Department of Defense. It is not a government agency.
History: Dances were one kind of activity held by (local) organizations that were part of USO; These dances happened often during World War Two, and during the Korean war.
USO works to boost military morale. Since 1941, the USO became the soldier's "home away from home" and began a tradition of entertaining the troops with live performances called Camp Shows that continues today. These "tours" typically feature big name actors or actresses, comedians, pop musicians, and pin-up models.
The USO serves both in time of war and during time of peace. During the 1990s, the USO provided services to 5 million active duty service members and their families, and more support after start of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
The USO also operates what are called USO Centers; these are places where eligible military members and families can go for rest, snacks, games, computer access, internet, or just to socialize with others. These are located at bases, in airports (known as USO Lounges), and other locations with a military presence.
