Thank you for taking care of our Troops in true USO fashion. We can’t say enough how much we appreciate what you do. 

 - Chief Master Sergeant Stevenson, USAF

My husband recently left for Afghanistan via BWI. We were delighted to receive a USO package last week with his United Through Reading DVD and children's book enclosed.  My two-year-old cannot get enough of watching it, and my husband is delighted to know that she is so connected to him through viewing it. Thank you for providing this service to us. It is priceless.

Best regards,

Anna Richardson Smith

Norfolk, Virginia

The United Through Reading Program - Rocks!!! I've sent DVD/books to my kids every day since my arrival in Kuwait. Thank you USO!!! Many tears of joy have been shed on both sides of the pond.

- Dr. Robert Strange, US Navy

I would like to say thank you to the USO team at BWI airport. I returned from my first deployment to Iraq on Aug 8, 2009 and although it was late, I was welcomed home by a group of cheering supporters. I don't feel like a hero but seeing all those people that night definitely made me feel like I've made a difference; it was a very touching experience.

So thank you all again for a job well done, it was much appreciated!

- SSgt Ariel Sauvey, USAF 

We greatly appreciated the presence of your USO Mobile Team who provided welcome refreshments at our Army’s observance of the 232nd Flag Day and the 234th Army birthday celebration. The USO has always been the bridge between the American people and our men and women in uniform, conveying the heartfelt appreciation of our country.  Your support of this event continued to carry that message as we honored the “Year of the Non-Commissioned Officer.” Thank you for your commitment for our soldiers, Fort Belvoir and the United States Army.

Respectfully,

Jerry L. Blixt

COL, US Army

Commanding 

I am a wounded warrior currently residing at the Mologne House. I have been here at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for over four months. I would personally like to thank everyone who donates their time, money, smiles, and hugs to myself and other wounded soldiers. When I left for Iraq, back in September 2008, the USO was there to send us, the 1/25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, off by providing us food and comfort. We consistently received care packages from people all across America, many through the USO. It was like Christmas to see the soldiers open the care packages not knowing what goodies they contained. It made a long day turn into a great day to remember that we have so many people who care for us back home and who love and support each and every one of us. 

When I got injured in Iraq in April 2009, I did not have a thing. The USO made sure that I was able to call home and had food and a blanket. I wish I could have obtained each individual's number so I could personally thank them for their kindness. Leaders lead and each of the USO personnel I am proud to call my brothers and sisters in arms. Without your love and support we could not be as successful as we are. You folks help us heal.

After arriving at Walter Reed I was absolutely depressed to be at a hospital and away from my soldiers; it was painful not knowing anything, especially medically. The doctor's here are amazing. But you can only be cooped up in a hospital or barracks for so long before you have to look for your missing marbles. Since I met the USO leaders like, Jackie Brazier and the President Elaine Rogers at Walter Reed, I have been to USO events as much as possible, getting away from the hospital environment.  The USO has enabled wounded warriors to participate in golfing events, bi-weekly poker tournaments, concerts, and sporting games. We all love each and every one of you guys for what you do for us. 

Very Respectfully, 

1LT Matthew Levine (1/25 SBCT 1/24INF Assistant Intelligence Officer)

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel as we enter the USO in BWI. The staff are friendly and very accommodating and we were so grateful to spend our time in a nice place rather than walking the hallways of the airport for eight hours!

Thank you to the USO… they bring to us a slice of what it is that we protect every day and every night. And that slice is so precious to each and every one of us who serves.

– General James E. Cartwright, USMC, March 25, 2008

I really appreciate you and the USO for everything you have done and are doing for us soldiers. We are blessed in this country to have people like you that work night and day, rain or shine to show that there are people that still appreciate freedom, our country, and us. You are serving this country proudly. Thank you and the many staff around the US that takes time out of their lives to send soldiers some love and care with the packages. This is the greatest country in the world, because of the beautiful people like you and your staff

– SPC Acosta Daniel Jr E Co 634th BSB Army National Guard

I wanted to say thank you to the USO at Dulles Aiport. With Lisa's help I quickly received my ticket and was escorted to the frequent flyer security checkpoint -- which I was only able to use because of my USO escort. As I turned to see my family waving and seeing me off I was happy to see Lisa was with them.  She consoled my wife and then Lisa invited my wife and two crying kids to the USO lounge so that they could regain their composure to leave the airport.  It is wonderfule knowing someone was there to help my family when I could not. Thank you USO.

Someone in my husband’s chain of command told us about USO-Metro’s emergency housing program. We had help within hours of first hearing about it. It was really quick and easy. We have a 6mth old son. I would have been stuck living out of friends houses for months if not for the emergency housing. It’s just amazing that there is help like this.  People need things like this. I know I would have been living at others’ houses or living out my truck, if not for the program. Stuff happens all the time and not everyone realizes the possibility or expects the worst. In a situation where you’re pretty much stranded and there’s nowhere else to go, it was good to have this support.

USO-Metro offered us a home when we didn’t have one and we had nowhere to go. The emergency housing program gave us somewhere to go, where we could regroup and take time out with one less thing to worry about. USO made sure we didn’t have to be on the street, you made sure we had a place to go. If I could say one thing to USO-Metro and its staff, I’d say thank you.

Two years ago, I had the pleasure of volunteering my service to help create care packages for our troops and sailors who were deployed overseas.

I'm stationed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter MIDGETT, home ported out of Seattle. We are currently deployed overseas.

Today the MIDGETT received 175 care packages from you and your USO Care Packing Team. This brought back memories of the many volunteers that I worked side by side creating these packages to send to our troops and sailors. Letting them know that though you are miles away from home, you are not forgotten.

Now, I'm on the receiving end of those care packages. On behalf of the MIDGETT crew, Thanks to you and all the volunteers for their time.

Keep on stuffing!! ;)

On September 8, 2007, I was flying Space-A out of Ramstein AB, Germany to [BWI Airport] with a plane full of returning servicemen and women who had completed their tour in the Middle East. Our plane was late, as were others that evening, and many of us had great difficulty in finding a nearby hotel with a vacancy and at a decent price. Many of us gave up, as did I, and took advantage of your incomparable hospitality, generosity and goodness.

I could not have been happier with the courteous manner of your staff, your helpfulness, your understanding and willingness to go the extra mile for military personnel.

You even opted to keep your facility open all night versus closing at the usual hours. The lounge was clean, well-equipped, well stocked with refreshments and the peanut butter cookies were the best I have ever had! The quiet room was a tremendous blessing too. Also, the large screen TV tuned to college football and sports news was enjoyed by all.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such kind and wonderful people, for supporting our armed forces and for being patriotic, caring Americans.

Thanks again, and my finest combat aviation, airborne salute is in order!

I just wanted to express my gratitude to you and your organization for all the great things you do. I had such a great time last night at the Weird Al concert in Baltimore, and wouldn't even have been able to go if not for the USO. The show sold out, the line wrapped around the block and a lot of folks were turned away. I, on the other hand, walked right up to will call, got my envelope and went straight in through security - completely bypassing the crowd. Everyone on your list was presented with a special pass and taken backstage after the show to meet the artist. It was a real morale boost for me, and I'm sure the other guys there would agree. Thank you for your gift and thank you for the USO.

For the first time since the accident I saw him laugh and smile a real smile. He was able to forget about his injuries and just enjoy life for a few hours.

- Wife of injured soldier

The USO has helped me retain my sanity during the many months of seeing my loved one go through so much trauma.

- Mother of injured sailor