10. The USO is tackling the tough issues that surround our military kids. The USO partnered with the Comfort Crew for Military Kids to send Trevor Romain on tour to promote self-confidence and resiliency in military children, tackling bullying in schools, adjust to life during and post-deployment, and coping when a parent makes the ultimate sacrifice. In 2013, Trevor and his crew embarked on a multi-city With You All the Way! tour with presentations to military children living throughout the U.S.
Trevor created a series of helpful kits that include DVDs, journals, resource books and other elements to help families cope with deployment, reintegration and what happens when a parent returns home with wounds, both seen and unseen. In 2013, more than 2,000 deployment, Taking Care of You, and Memory kits were distributed following performances and also to USO centers around the globe.
11. It’s about being there when they can’t. The USO understands what it means to deploy to the families left behind. The USO joined United Through Reading® in 2006 to host its Military Program. Troops visiting participating USO centers around the world as far away as Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan read one of many available storybooks on camera. The USO mails the DVD recording and book home. Children then watch Mom or Dad and listen to their loving voice at bedtime, naptime, or anytime.
12. The USO is helping vets (and spouses) to find a job! The USO, in partnership with Hire Heroes USA, hosts transition workshops for active duty, wounded, ill and injured troops, their spouses and caregivers. The workshops focus on resume writing, mock interviews, professional work practices and translating prior military experience into a civilian career. These non-traditional career transition events connect employers with participants based on interest and background. Employers are pre-matched to conduct practice interviews and provide feedback to these men and women who, in many cases, have never participated in a civilian job interview.
Career Opportunity Days are limited to 15 employers and 40-60 transitioning troops and veterans, as well as their spouses and caregivers, to ensure these events provide an environment conducive to one-on-one interaction and networking. In 2013, the USO hosted 75 workshops and 20 Career Opportunity Days expanding to more than two dozen locations.
