1 GORE. TT) - (NAPSA)—The USO turns 65 this year, and the venerable organization is more robust than ever. From celebrity tours entertaining troops around the world to, Internet and e-mail access and ing service members and their families, the organization continually challengesitself to find new and better ways to support the sion and film actors, comedians, to the recreation centers support- morale, welfare and recreation activities of our U.S. military. In 1941, Army camps sprang up across the nation in preparation for war; morale was a huge issue for lonely recruits far from home. President Franklin Roo- sevelt brought together six powerful national agencies to form a non-profit, non-government entity called the United Service Organizations. The USO’s tasks were to raise money and, as a LIFE magazinearticle from that era reported, “teach a still-skeptical America its own responsibilities toward its fighting men.” Then, USO volunteers held dances, served coffee, and wrote letters homefor soldiers; now, the long-distance phone cards to stay close to loved ones. Then, Bob Hope and a slew of mainstream movie stars and entertainers per- formed for the troops; now, televisports figures and country, pop, rap and Latino musicians entertain and meet-and-greet the diverse men and women who make up our military. The USO’s proud tradition is to be where the troops are. Today, more than 120 USO Centers serve military service members and their families stateside and overseas. 33,000 volunteers provide an estimated 450,000 hours of comfort and help annually. In 2005, the USO delivered more than $100 million in services and goods using donations from individuals, organizations and corporate partners. The USO is celebrating 65 years of service in 2006, and will continue to support our troops— until every one comes home. To find out how —_ USO provides a touch of home with comfortable places to you can support movies to watch and CDstolisten visit Www.uso.org. unwind from stressful duties, our troops by supporting the USO, 7 FUE jeouspaceenianami UntilEveryOneComestlomer*
