United Service Organizations facts for kids

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.

USO Tours

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.

Support and services

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.

Images for kids

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  Actor Mickey Rooney, a World War II Bronze Star recipient, honoring the USO in 2000

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  USO women from the World War II era (reenactment)

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  Al Jolson, the first star to perform in Korea, September 17, 1950

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  Marilyn Monroe performing in Korea, 1954

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  Entertainers during a Christmas Eve USO show in 1983 on board the USS New Jersey off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. (left to right) Miss USA Julie Hayek, Cathy Lee Crosby, Bob Hope, Ann Jillian and Brooke Shields.

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  Tichina Arnold, Zac Brown, Kid Rock, Kathleen Madigan, Kellie Pickler, John Bowman, and Lewis Black at 2008 USO Holiday Tour in Kandahar, Afghanistan

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  Bob Hope USO show, 1943

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  Irving Berlin singing aboard USS Arkansas, 1944

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  US Coast Guard, 1st show in Vietnam, 1970

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  Bob Hope and Ann Jillian perform at the USO Christmas Tour during Operation Desert Shield

See also

In Spanish: United Service Organizations para niños