Monthly Archives: December 2012

USO Camp Casey Programs Coordinator Sophia Lim, right, stands with some volunteers carrying a load of stockings for troops in South Korea as part of USO Korea’s Operation Christmas Cheer Program. USO photo

USO Korea brightened the days of more than 6,000 soldiers stationed across the Korean peninsula this month with stockings full of goodies donated by Operation Give. As part of USO Korea’s Operation Christmas Cheer program, soldiers from the northern Camp Stanley to the southern Camp Henry and everywhere in between received a friendly knock on their door from a USO volunteer bearing a special surprise: a stocking overflowing with books, playing cards, calendars, personal hygiene items and snacks.

“I knocked on so many doors to give gifts my knuckles are bleeding,” one soldier-volunteer joked after the event, which went from Dec. 18 to Dec. 25.

The efforts of the volunteers who stuffed stockings in the U.S. and the 90-plus volunteers who distributed those stockings in South Korea were clearly appreciated. The USO received positive praise from key base personnel and soldiers in all four USO Korea service areas. But the shocked grins and heartfelt thanks from service members across Korea were the best rewards.

Two soldiers show off their new stockings — saxophones not included — delivered by USO Korea volunteers. Stocking supplies were donated by Operation Give. USO photo

One soldier was so grateful that he took the time to email the young stocking stuffer back in the U.S., whose email address was included in the stocking.

“The USO just came by our barracks roughly 30 minutes ago and gave myself and many other soldiers in our barracks a beautiful Christmas stocking with all kinds of goodies,” the soldier wrote. “I wanted to say thank you … [T]hank you for making my lonely holidays better. This will be the [sixth] Christmas I spent away from my family, so the more times I spend away from my family the harder it gets to feel the “Holiday” cheer. [B]ut young American’s like yourself and the incredible USO [v]olunteers (on the “CC”) make me feel much better. … Thank you again for the outstanding gesture and the great feeling of warmth from across the waters.”

As evidenced by this email – and thanks to the hard work of all of the USO volunteers in Korea and the U.S. – USO Korea can declare this mission accomplished. Thanks again to Operation Give for their support of the troops, and happy holidays.

–Story by Laura Martinez, USO Korea Programs Manager

The Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman will again bring the excitement of postseason college football to the Washington, D.C., area Thursday while also supporting the USO and our nation’s military personnel.

Now in its fifth year, The Military Bowl is projected to raise more than $100,000 for the USO while providing at least 5,000 complimentary tickets for active-duty military personnel and their families.

This year’s matchup pits Bowling Green (8-4) against No. 24 San Jose State (10-2). It will be the first meeting between the two teams. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. EST at RFK Stadium, and the game will be televised nationally on ESPN.

“We couldn’t be more excited,” Military Bowl Executive Director and President Steve Beck said. “This could potentially be the best matchup in our five-year history.”

The popular military village will also return for a second year. Located on the D.C. Armory Mall on the way to RFK Stadium, the village – along with a new outdoor tailgate – will be open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on game day. Admission to the military village is free.

“The military village was wildly successful in its debut last year and we’re looking forward to an even better experience this year,” Beck said. “Nothing can replicate this event.”

Among the military displays scheduled are:

• An MH-65 helicopter and crew
• A 29-foot Coast Guard boat
• A Navy SEAL pull-up challenge
• Two Humvees and other large equipment from the Navy Seabees
• A helicopter and three tactical vehicles from the Army National Guard
• A helicopter, robot demonstration and K-9 demonstration from the Air Force
• Two Mobile USO units with giveaways.

The rock and blues band Halfway to Concord will perform throughout the day, and a drill team performance will take place at 1:30 p.m. in front of the USO Metro Mobile. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from food trucks and vendors.

It’s not too late to get tickets, which are on sale at militarybowl.org, with prices starting at just $2.

–Story by Joseph Andrew Lee, USO Staff Writer

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Thousands gathered Saturday morning at Arlington National Cemetery to pay their respects by helping Wreaths Across America lay wreaths on the headstones of American servicemen and women.

More than 110,000 wreaths were placed on Arlington graves Saturday. USO Warrior and Family Care once again helped Wreaths Across America’s efforts by contributing funds to the event.