For September 11th I devoted my day to hosting with the USO – Illinois, Home Away From Home Center at Navy Pier. The USO has been caring for American Troops for seventy years and their motto is “Until EVERY One Comes Home”.
The USO Home Away From Home Centers at Navy Pier, Midway & O’Hare Airports and Great Lakes Naval Center are intended to provide warm, welcoming places of respite.
As a volunteer I welcome Active Duty, Guard and Reserve military and military families to the center, offer them discount coupon books for activities and goods at Navy Pier, and keep the center clean and stocked with snacks and beverages.
There is a shortage of volunteers so I did a double shift which means I opened and closed the center by myself. It was a long day, but I’m not complaining. The visitors came from all branches of the military, active duty or retired and from many different parts of the country. They were all very courteous and appreciative.
The USO is reliant on private and corporate donations and do not receive any Federal support. The USO has many ways that you can help support their mission. Please visit their website today and learn how you can your local USO.
This is my thirty ninth activity, and now 21 left.