Monthly Archives: August 2010

They’re Here! USO Internship Opportunities for Fall/Winter 2010

We had a great summer here at the USO, and it was made even better by all of the amazing interns who gave their time, talents, and energy to our mission.

Let your voice be heard in showing support for our Troops. Join the USO with an internship today!

The USO is pleased again to offer internships for credit or for practical work experience during fall/winter 2010.  The internships will begin in September, 2010 and are located at the USO offices in Arlington, VA.  Interns must be available to work onsite; a parking or transportation allowance is provided.

Internships are available in the two departments:

Communications:

  • Two positions are available with a focus in Marketing and Digital Asset Management, although writing and research play a key role.  Applicants matriculating degrees in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or Digital Media are strongly encouraged to apply. The ability to use both Mac and PC, familiarity with Adobe CS4, and proficiency in social media channels are highly desired.  Experience working with historical documents is a plus.  Be prepared to be a self starter, think creatively, and have a lot of fun!  Click here to send an email with your resume and cover letter.  Please use “USO Communications Internship” in your subject heading.

Fundraising and Development:

  • Two positions are available in working with TEAM USO and the CFC campaign.  The ideal applicant will assist in the goal of recruiting 1000 fundraising volunteers by December 31, 2010.  Other duties include formulating and executing an approved plan; working with team on cultivation of these fundraising volunteers; assisting with CFC promotion and recruitment; working with team on communication plan to past donors; participating in table displays/talks with federal employees as needed; and researching other CFC and USO opportunities related to these areas.  Click here to send an email with your resume and cover letter.
  • Two positions are available in researching and prospecting donors.  The ideal applicant will assist in the tracking of the development pipeline and supporting corporate alliance events.  Other duties include creating research binders include information such as company history, mission, current marketing strategy, list of board members, other nonprofit partners; researching nonprofits with previous USO support histories and/or military affiliation;  and working on events such as the USO Gala, Care Package Stuffing Parties, and Partner Quarterly Webinars.  Click here to send an email with your resume and cover letter.  Please state “USO Fundraising and Development Internship” as your subject heading.

Email inquiries only; no phone calls, please.

A Rock-N-Rollin’ Mystery

Sometime in Watertown, New York, this band rocked the stage for the troops. From the looks of the band members, visors, sleeveless shirts and Nike shoes were big. That might help narrow down a decade or two. The electric guitar has a unique paint job; maybe you’ve seen it before? Perhaps you own a similar shirt in your closet? Help us put a name to this band.

Great Lakes Challenge Makes a Strong Finish at the Legion Convention

With a flatter course than yesterday and everyone excited about the Packer's game, Day 4 was a fast day in the saddle. The group made it all the way to Lambeau Field in under 5 1/2 hours of riding time! (Photo courtesy of Ride 2 Recovery Facebook page)

Wounded cyclists, and others who joined them in support, traveled from Wasau to Green Bay to Sheboygen and – finally – to Milwaukee for the second half of Ride 2 Recovery’s “Great Lakes Challenge.” As usual, riders new and experienced shared powerful stories of healing and transformation through the experience.

As reported by the Green Bay Press Gazette: “Rider Jen Dreizehn, a 15-year military veteran, has not only been riding with her biking family, but also seeing her real family in her first trip back to Wisconsin over that time. Her family cheered her along at several stops on Thursday and planned to attend the Green Bay Packers game with her.

The Shawano native, who grew up in Mountain, is stationed with the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Eustis, Va.  ’I haven’t ridden a bike since I was 12 years old, so this has just been great and a real challenge,’ Dreizehn said. ‘Challenge is definitely the word to use. I’m really glad I did it.’”

The final day of the Great Lakes Challenge saw the cyclists heading into Milwaukee, and then riding in the American Legion parade. (Photo courtesy of Ride 2 Recovery Facebook page)

The final day of the ride was especially poignant, as the group greeted attendees at the The 92nd Annual American Legion National Convention and later participated in a parade.  Marty Callahan reported the following: “About 50 cyclists – veterans and servicemembers – arrived in Milwaukee Aug. 28 at The American Legion National Convention, completing a six-day, 426-mile journey from Minneapolis. The cyclists are part of the national Ride 2 Recovery program that helps veterans overcome their wounds and inspire others to do the same.

‘This kind of event does tremendous things for the mental and physical rehabilitation of the wounded warriors,’ said John Wordin, founder and president of Ride 2 Recovery. ‘Whatever kind of injury they may have – amputations, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, PTSD – cycling helps them to recover. Events like this create such a bond and camaraderie – it’s a great group therapy session.’”

Click here to watch as the cyclists enter the convention, and check out a great video clip from WLUK-TV below!

Only One Week Left to Support the Troops with Just a Click!

My, how time flies!  It seems like only yesterday that we were telling you about the “60 Second Cocktails” program, brought to you this summer by Bacardi USA to support the USO.  Well summer’s almost over, but it’s not too late to show your support!

Now through Labor Day, we encourage you to click away and help us reach our goal.  So far, we’ve only raised about 15% of our goal of an additional $25,000, and only YOU can help us reach the ultimate goal of $100,000 being donated from Bacardi to the USO.  You can click as often as you like, share it on your own Facebook profile, and tell your friends by posting on their profiles, too!

We want to thank everyone who has shown their support with just a click this summer.  As a special treat, we wanted to bring you this video clip from 60 Second Cocktails!

Former US Marine and top mixologist, Bryan Stowe, demonstrates how to mix a BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Collins Cocktail made with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin. Delicious but perfectly simple, each of the 60 Second Cocktails can be crafted in 60 seconds or less. Prep your mixers and garnishes in advance, and be ready to impress your guests.

Don’t forget to “Like” 60 Second Cocktails on Facebook to download the recipe book and to help support the troops!

Keeping Fit, Far from Home

Troops from across the branches recieve instruction before the Strong Man Competition begins. (Photo courtesy mitstephens' Flickr; all rights reserved)

Bagram, Afghanistan: Never a dull moment for the Pat Tillman USO.  Between Hail and Farewells, Cross Fit Challenges, Strong Man Competitions and United Through Reading we are always on the go.  This was not a week for the weak.

With two fitness events happening on the same day you might would think you were at muscle beach!  Service Members on BAF competed in either a Strong Man Contest or the Cross Fit Challenge. With representatives from all the Branches of Service competing it was a sight to behold.

The gym at Pat Tillman USO. (Photo courtesy of mitstephens' Flickr; all rights reserved)

For those who don’t know what Cross Fit is, it’s a strength and conditioning fitness methodology that promotes broad and general overall physical fitness. CrossFit combines weightlifting, sprinting, and gymnastics.  CrossFit is used in nearly 1,700 gyms worldwide and by many fire departments, law enforcement agencies and military organizations.  It was an exciting challenge, for sure.

The Strong Man Contest consisted of a bench press and dead lift, with both men and women competing for prizes from the USO.  The Service Members on Camp Alpha set out to show who was the true strong man/woman.  Congrats to all of the winners!

The runners were off to a fast start as soon as they heard the starter pistol. (USO photo courtesy of USO Baghdad Facebook page)

Baghdad, Iraq: On a beautiful Saturday morning, USO Baghdad teamed up with Sather Air Base MWR in sponsoring the end-of-summer “Fahrenheit 10K.”  This morning’s run was the second tune-up run for the upcoming US Air Force Marathon which will take place in Dayton, Ohio on 18 September, 2010.

The runners stretched in between jokes with MWR and USO staff as the remaining competitors signed in for the race.  Other USO staff and volunteers were on hand to cheer on the runners.  Despite the less-than-ideal running conditions, the fastest men and women finished the 10K in remarkable time and with enough energy to smile!

Thanks to all who participated ~ it was a great morning!  And good luck at the upcoming Sather Air Base Marathon on 12 September, 2010….we’ll see you there!

The top three male and top three female runners each received a certificate to commemorate their achievement. (USO photo courtesy of USO Baghdad Facebook page)

Sons of Anarchy

Dayton Callie, Theo Rossi, Mark Boone Junior and Kim Coates on their first USO tour, Spring 2010. (USO photo by Erick Anderson)

What can we say about this amazing group of actors that hasn’t already been said by YOU, our amazing USO supporters?!   You love the Sons of Anarchy.  The Sons of Anarchy love the USO.  It’s perfect, right?  ‘Nuff said.

The Season Premiere airs September 7, and you can catch the show every Tuesday at 10pm EST.  The new season promo is below.  But first…

Check out a video they shot during their USO tour earlier this year!  Watch.  Share.  Repeat.  Enjoy.