Page 111 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2019

GivingBACK supporting soldiers
United Service Organization
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of USO Gulf Coast
The United Service Organization (USO) has been in existence since 1941 and its mission to support soldiers and their families has not changed although some of the programs and services have changed. The organization has stood by American troops through every step of their service from deployment to rehabilitation and reintegration.
“The USO
strengthens
America’s military
service members
by keeping them
connected to
family, home and
country throughout
their service to the
nation. How we go about doing that has changed through the years based on the needs of the military, but the overall mission of taking care of our nation’s heroes has remained the same,” USO Gulf Coast Director Felice Kelly-Gillum said.
In addition to the USO centers at the Gulfport-Biloxi Airport and Gulfport Seabee Station, the USO provides outreach such as the first ever Special Delivery Baby Shower they hosted this year. “This special event was hosted by
the best selling author of What to Expect When You are Expecting, Heidi Murkuff,” Kelly-Gillum said. “We also provide support for homecomings, deployments, family days and holiday celebrations.”
The USO hosts birthday parties for military children and ‘Coffee Connections’ to bring military spouses together
to network with each other. “These are a few of the many programs, events and services provided in our tri-state region,” Kelly-Gillum added.”In 2018 USO Gulf Coast served more than 75,000 service members and their dependents.”
USO Gulf Coast provides programs and services to active duty, reservist, guard, and their dependents. Anyone can show support by volunteering, donating, and sponsoring events. “This help is always appreciated as we provide services as a result of support from this community,” Kelly- Gillum said. “Volunteer and donor information can be found by visiting our website.”
USO Gulf Coast’s Red, White, & You Festival
USO Gulf Coast | 228.248.0533 | gulfcoast.uso.org
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