If you asked me 10 years ago about the USO I would have conjured up in my mind
the Bob Hope tours to troops overseas and the dance parties hosted by them to
troops here at home and abroad.
A little over six years ago the USO brought a warmth to my heart and calmed a mothers
nerves.
My youngest son was at home, on leave after his Army basic training. He had his official
orders to report to a camp in South Korea and he would be leaving directly from our home
and flying there alone.
I know. I know... He was a very grown up young man and perfectly capable of traveling
on his own to a foreign country. After all, he survived drill sargeants, he could manage
this quite nicely couldn't he? Mom-worry set it despite his new found confidence and
demeanor. (This was not at all like putting him on a plane to Nashville to visit his
grandparents in the summer.)
The day before he left was quite difficult for all of us in the family. The "baby" would
be gone for at least a year before we saw him again. I also had the mom-questions:
How would he know once he got there where to go? Would there be a bus provided for
him? Would other soldiers be there reporting at the same time? I asked Nick if he had any
specific details and he handed me a piece of paper.
Upon arrival at Kimpo National Airport proceed to gate XXX and report in to the USO welcome
station.
After I read it he looked me in the eye and said "Mom, it will be ok. The USO is there."
He was right. The USO was there, welcomed him, and directed him to the area that he
needed to be to meet other arriving US soldiers. The volunteer at the center also gave
him a hug and told him "Thank you" for coming and wished him well.
The USO is alive and well and needs our help. There are welcome stations across the
country that would love to have more volunteers to welcome traveling men and women.
Unfortunately the Metro Detroit airport does not have a welcome station, or I suspect I
would have signed up to volunteer time at it regularly. Instead I have sent several
donations to the USO to help with their expenses. Gifts to troops, support groups for
families, pre-paid calling cards to military men and women, and so much more is given
to our armed forces personnel by the USO on a daily basis.
Their mission has never changed:
The USO will support U.S. troops and their families wherever they serve.
God bless them.
Kris Wales-Macomb County MI real estate -Ask me about buyers agency in Michigan — Homes for sale search in Macomb County MI and tri county Metro Detroit area
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Kris,
You're right, the USO is a great organization. I served in the USAF and recall how wonderful they were. I would love to volunteer but we are 70 miles away from the airport. I'll have to look them up anyway. Thanks!