Daily Archives: September 18, 2010

USO Opens New Center in Kandahar Afghanistan

Posted on September 18, 2010 by | 6 Comments

USO SWA Regional VP Gary Bibeau, USO Board of Governors Chairman Ed Reilly, Col. Chris Gentry, BG Reynold Hoover, and USO Kandahar Center Director Larry Cooke show their excitement after cutting the ribbon during the Opening of USO Kandahar. (USO Photo by Duane DeVorak)

We’re so proud to announce the opening of our eleventh center in Southwest Asia: USO Kandahar!  This 8,200 square-foot facility is expected to serve more than 35,000 troops each year on Kandahar Airfield, including those traveling to and from forward operating bases in the region.  USO Kandahar is located in the Reception, Staging, Onward movement, and Integration (RSOI) compound and is open 20 hours a day.

Commander 643rd Regional Support Group, Colonel Chris R. Gentry had this to say about the opening: “The USO’s presence on KAF is a much-anticipated event. They bring a little piece of home to everyone they touch. We are very grateful for their support of all our service members and look forward to a long and successful collaboration together.”

USO Kandahar Duty Manager, Duane DeVorak shoots a video about our United Through Reading program as Duty Manager Erin Mintmier explains the program to a soldier. (USO Photo by Joan Gardiner)

Twenty computer stations, eleven Sony PlayStation™ 3 video gaming systems, 52-inch televisions, books and a music room will entertain troops during their free time. The center also offers 18 telephones for troops to call home at no expense on the USO’s private telephone network.  Troops will also be able to participate in one of the most popular programs – United Through Reading’s Military Program – which will be available in three recording rooms.  All programs and services offered at USO Kandahar are free to troops.

“It is a real honor to be a part of the team to bring the first full-service USO in Afghanistan to Kandahar,” said Larry Cooke, director, USO Kandahar.  “This has been a true partnership with the US Garrison Support Group and many other units on KAF. My deep appreciation goes out to each one of them. I know this center will play a key role in the lives of our service men and women serving in this region.”

For individuals and corporations looking for more information or to make a donation, contact Larry Cooke at (202) 747-2792 or via email.  And be sure to visit USO Kandahar’s Facebook page for many more photos of grand opening festivities and the new center in action!

USO Kandahar Duty Manager, Kevin Wells trains new volunteers during the Grand Opening of USO Kandahar, September 17, 2010. (USO Photo by Duane DeVorak)

These Airmen are among the first to try out the free Segovia phones during the Grand Opening of USO Kandahar September 17, 2010. (USO Photo by Duane DeVorak)

These three soldiers are the first to enjoy the Jam Session Music room at USO Kandahar during the Grand Opening September 17, 2010. (USO Photo by Duane DeVorak)

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Free Better Than Ezra Concert on Military Appreciation Day

Posted on September 18, 2010 by | Leave a comment

Better Than Ezra (Photo courtesy of Facebook)

Officials from the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship and the USO of Metropolitan Washington recently announced that New Orleans rock band Better Than Ezra will help the tournament honor area military with a special musical appearance on Saturday, October 9, during Military Appreciation Day at the Champions Tour’s final major of the season.

The Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship is scheduled for Oct 5-10, 2010, at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Potomac, MD.  As previously announced, complimentary admission to the championship is being offered to all fans for the entire week and includes the Better Than Ezra performance at the Birdies for the Brave Military Appreciation Concert presented by the USO of Metropolitan Washington.

Better Than Ezra, best known for their chart-topping hits “Good” and “Desperately Wanting,” will perform at a ceremony during Military Appreciation Day to salute military families.  The program, scheduled to begin at approximately 3 p.m. after play concludes, will take place on the stage adjacent to the 18th fairway and will include a color guard, national anthem singer, and military leadership.  Better Than Ezra will close the program with a special musical performance dedicated to the military and their families.

“We are delighted to, in conjunction with the PGA TOUR, have Better Than Ezra perform for both military families and golf fans at this year’s Championship,” said Elaine Rogers, President of the USO of Metropolitan Washington.  “We look forward to hosting them at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm on October 9.”

For the third straight year, the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship will offer hospitality to active, reserve and retired military and their dependents at the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost made possible through the generous efforts Booz Allen Hamilton, located overlooking the 18th fairway.  The Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost provides complimentary food provided by Chick-fil-A, beverages and interactive activities.

For more information, please visit USO of Metropolitan Washington!

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Posted in Celebrity Entertainment, Families, Support, Troops, US

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