USO
USO—the United Service Organizations—is a civilian, voluntary, nonprofit organization serving the morale needs of U.S. military personnel and their families worldwide. Although congressionally chartered, it is not a government agency and is supported by individual and corporate donations, United Way, and Combined Federal Campaign. USO was created on 4 February 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who determined that private organizations should handle the on‐leave recreation of the rapidly growing U.S. military. Six civilian agencies—the Salvation Army, Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association, and National Jewish Welfare Board—coordinated their civilian war efforts to form the USO.
During World War II, USO became the G.I.'s “home away from home,” and began a tradition of...
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