"The
USO's mission is to enhance the quality of life of the
U.S.
Armed Forces personnel and their families worldwide and
to
create
a cooperative relationship between U.S. military communities
and
involved or supporting civilian communities."
The James S. McDonnell USO, located in the lower level of the main terminal at Lambert St. Louis International Airport, was established
in 1981 and named for James S. McDonnell, founder of McDonnell
Aircraft.
Initial funding for the original facility
was provided by the McDonnell Aircraft Foundation.
Since 1981, over 3 million traveling military
and their families have benefited from the services provided
by the USO.
The Dennis Jones Family Foundation Mobile
USO was added to the outreach efforts in 2005. The unit
travels throughout Missouri and Illinois to take the services
and the USO spirit straight to the troops.
In mid-2006, the 18,000 sq ft. Ft. Leonard
Wood USO was added to the services lines of the USO of Missouri.
The USO of Missouri provides services and smiles to
more than 120,000 military personnel and their families
annually.
The USO of Missouri and all outreach
functions are governed by a board of directors.
History
of the USO (United Service Organizations)
The USO, or United Service Organizations,
was founded on February 5, 1941 by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt.
The USO is chartered by Congress as a non-profit
charitable corporation and endorsed by the President of
the United States and the Secretary of Defense.
Each President of the United States has
been the Honorary Chairman of the USO since it’s inception.
During WWII, the USO was best known as
a place for coffee and donuts or relaxing at a dance.
Today’s USO is a multi-program, full-service
agency, responding to the morale, welfare and recreational
needs of the military community.
Worldwide
Operations
There are currently over 120 USO centers
around the world.
Overseas centers are located in Germany,
Italy, France, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iceland,
Hungary, Israel, Japan, Okinawa, Korea and the Virgin Islands.
There are 33 independent affiliated USO
corporations located throughout the United States.
An average of 5 million patrons are served
annually worldwide.
USO World Headquarters is located in Arlington,
Virginia.
