by Megan O’Keefe,Internal Communications Specialist
Women and Military Spouses – Instrumental in the evolution of USO’s mission delivery.
From combat zones, natural disasters and pandemics, to baby showers, coffee hours, and concerts, the USO is there for service members, military spouses, and their families.
Since 1941, the USO has supported the military community by providing comfort, connection, and a piece of home to military members all over the world. Over the past 80 years, the USO has evolved and adapted to support the military’s ever-changing needs. And it continues today to pursue its mission serving as a Force Behind the Forces®.
None of this crucial work would be possible without the unwavering support and dedication of women and military spouses. While many people know about the services the USO provides to military spouses, such as career development, peer support groups, and baby showers, many are unfamiliar with the vital role that both women and military spouses played in the foundation and evolution of the USO.
The USO was established on February 4, 1941 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt brought together six organizations to support the military. During WWII, women and military spouses held highly visible and influential roles within the USO as they brought the centers to life. Women young and old took on roles as USO hostesses or junior hostesses. Others worked as mobile unit staff, delivering warm meals and the comforts of home to troops in the field. Most famously, female stars like Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, and dozens of other female entertainers traveled worldwide to perform for deployed troops serving far from home. Women and military spouses indeed fueled the USO.
Following WWII, women and military spouses continued to support the military community through the USO throughout the 20th century. From entertaining service members during the Korean War to operating USO locations overseas during the Vietnam War, dedicated women and military spouses continued to play an influential role.
While the USO has supported current service members and their families since 1941, the organization has expanded its programming to meet the unique needs of military spouses over the past decade. For instance, USO Military Spouse Networking Events provide spouses with the opportunity to build their local professional and personal networks by connecting with spouses, employers, and community organizations.
USO Coffee Connections offer military spouses a regular, relaxed setting to meet fellow spouses and build a sense of belonging in their local community. The USO Special Delivery Baby Showers give expecting military mothers an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of their new little one with their local community. The Discovering Your Spark workshops allow spouses to find their passion and learn to approach life’s challenges with a more positive and proactive outlook.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the USO’s military spouse programs, like most of the organization’s offerings, swiftly transitioned to the virtual space, where they continue to bring joy, connection, and a sense of belonging to military spouses across the world. Through these programs and so much more, the USO is there to support service members and their families during their entire military career.
Over 80 years, the USO has remained steadfast in its mission of strengthening our military to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. It has only accomplished its mission with the support of military spouses.
