During World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, Bob Hope was the face of the United Services Organization (USO). Bob Hope joined the USO shortly after it was organized in 1941. He started on the radio and then traveled the world entertaining troops. He brought the servicemembers a touch of home, lots of laughter, and good refreshments.
Today’s USO is different yet still brings the touch of home, lots of laughter, and good refreshments to military families. I spent several hours in the St. Louis airport USO on a recent trip to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Madge’s warm greeting carried a gentle warning as I entered: “Watch out for those guys behind the bar.” After dropping my bags into the storage area with two Bobs, I headed for coffee. The bar had all the drinks, hot food, and snacks. It also tried to contain an infectious energy it could not–Tom, Dick, and Harry.
Tom greeted me with a grin and peppered me with questions. “Where are you from? Are you moving to Fort “Lost In the Woods (the local name for Fort Leonard Wood)?” tried to answer the first question, but he stopped listening. Dick ambled up with my coffee. “Tom, stop asking questions; let her answer one or two,” he commanded.
Instantly Tom straightened, saluted Dick, and winked at me. “I actually outrank him, but he is a Command Sergeant Major, so I don’t mess with him.” Dick nodded and asked, “Where are you from?” I said, “Pentagon.” They started commenting about their time avoiding the five-sided puzzle palace.
I quickly came to realize the wisdom of Madge’s warning. Breaking away to sit down was going to be a challenge. Their stories kept me entertained for close to an hour. Harry changed it all with the arrival of mouthwatering cookies. He stopped the crew midstory and told me to choose two cookies. I took one; he handed me a second. Yes, his choice was better.
Harry led me to a table with a fresh cup of coffee. “How long have you been volunteering here?” I asked. His reply stopped my heart.
“Since the day after my son’s funeral. His picture is on the wall over there. I want to make sure the new recruits know what they do matters and that their sacrifice is important. Plus, I want to keep Tom and Dick in line.” With that, he smiled, turned, and walked away.
The USO in St. Louis Airport changed my view of the USO. Yes, it still brings the touch of home, lots of laughter, and good refreshments to military families. But it is so much more than that. It gives service members of every age a place to share stories, connect, relax, joke with others, and build friendships.
As the USO turns 83, it is getting better with age but needs help. Consider volunteering at or donating to your local USO. What are your stories about the USO?
Jennifer Wake is an Army wife, mother of three grown children, teacher, and writer. She loves mentoring military spouses, especially chaplain’s spouses who serve sacrificially. Her passions include writing books and blogs, developing training material, networking with women, and quilting. She resides in Bristow, VA, with her wonderful husband and two dogs. www.jenniferwake.com