Case Study Example: The USO

The United States military has many charities that have been helping the people who serve this country and their families. There are a plethora of charities that provide military social services, family support, and troop services to every military personnel. The USO or the United Services Organizations is a nonprofit organization that includes many programs that can provide a better connection between those who are in service and at home. One of the programs are tours that go to military bases, and provide entertainment for troops with celebrities. Most importantly, the USO strengthens the connection between America’s soldiers and their family, home and country

The USO had its becoming during World War II, just as the United States joined the allies against Germany and the opposing powers. The United States during that time, drafted many soldiers, and then sent them to war. However, due the rapid expansion of the military, there were no sort of groups or agencies that were supporting the troops. Until President Franklin Roosevelt decided that the troops needed some sort of support to increase morale. From that, the YMCA, YWCA, Salvation Army, Jewish Welfare Board, Catholic Community Charities, and Travelers Aid Society worked together to create and support the launch of the United Service Organizations. The USO was able to stand due to the massive support from civilians in the United States; the civilians with their donations, and volunteering helped the foundation of the USO to stand even till this day. 

One way the USO was able to increase morale with the soldiers was with Hollywood. The USO were able to bring celebrities to different bases, during WWII. From 1941 to 1947 there were about four hundred thousand shows, with all different kinds of popular celebrities at the time. Then, because of the lack of funding, the USO was disbanded at the end of WWII. Until the Korean War came into light during the 1950's. The US Secretary of Defense George Marshall and the Secretary of the Navy Francis P. Matthews requested for the USO to be restored. From that, the USO was resurrected. From just the span of 1952 and 1953, the USO provided their services for the entirety of the Korean war. With help from 113,000 USO volunteers, there were about two hundred ninety four active centers that were able to provide support to the US’s troops. These kinds of services were able to provide a place to sleep during flights, snacks, gift shops, telephone calls, and hot showers to any sort of active duty soldier. Most importantly, they were able to provide a good connection between those serving and their families. To this day, the USO is still providing the same kind of support to our soldiers and their families.

The USO’s history is quite colorful with assisting the United States military in multiple wars, and operations. With their motto being “to be always by their side”, which is something that we still. Many of their services have the same principle, as they did when they first started. With celebrities from Hollywood, coming and performing for our soldiers around the world. One’s such as Bob Hope, Stephen Colbert, and Robin William are just the few celebrities that supported the USO and our soldiers. Another way the USO supports the military is with a care-package program, which are packages that possess snack packs and toiletry packs with hygiene essentials. Any sort of commodities, the USO will try to fulfill to the best of their abilities. Airports are another example of the USO’s effort to have our soldiers' best interest. By having specialized areas for military personnel and family, so they can have an area with free snacks and drinks, an area to sleep, etc. However one of their main focuses is to have stronger connections from ones that are overseas and those at home. The program Operation Phone Home, is a program that gives soldiers a chance to talk with people at home, for free. With an added advantage of free internet as well. With the purpose to give a stronger connection to those at home. Which is what the USO wants to accomplish and have accomplished since 1941.  

Since the creation of the USO, it was able to stand even till this due to the massive support from the people. Millions of people have joined in an effort to give those who are serving, some support. Which now has been enhanced, with the help of member from U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives who have the same interests and ideas Now with the advantage of this, the USO now has a critical link between the Congress and the people, which does strengthen the voices of those who want to make those in service and their families’s lives more connected. 

The USO is one of many charities that provide some sort of support to those who serve and their families. To bring more connection, and ease to their lives. With help from millions of people world wide, including Congress. The people are the main structure and foundation of this very organization. From every volunteer, celebrities are a key part of this process for the people who risk their lives everyday to give us a better future.What sets this organization apart from the others, is the will and the continuous support from war to war, from person to person is something quite fascinating.