USO 08-04-2020

Ann Jarvis, USO Camp Pendleton Center Director, discusses USO activities.

The Camp Pendleton United Services Organization (USO) provides a variety of services to the military including deployment/homecoming support. When the military arrives home, the USO provides welcome bags, snacks, photographers and anything else required --- even at 2 a.m. The returning military receive fresh new pillow cases and soap because some military personal effects aren't available.

The USO was founded in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide morale and recreation services to U.S. uniformed military personnel. The president is its honorary chairman while the organization follows Department of Defense directions. The USO brought together six civilian organizations: the Salvation Army, YMCA, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), National Catholic Community Service, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board. The logo’s six stars represent these six organizations.

Children remain a USO priority throughout the year. Using the their new mobile unit, the USO recently celebrated July’s National Ice Cream month. Staff and volunteers travelled the base handing out ice cream and popsicles. Families drove by the parked mobile unit to pick up the treats as part of social distancing. The USO personnel made sure they provided bigger cups with ice cream at the bottom to avoid the kids’ spilling in the cars. The new mobile unit has been used a variety of ways including a coffee cart.

Offering military family events, this organization creates beautiful memories for parents and their children. One of our Rotarians, Ally Abbott, enjoyed USO programs as a child. She recalls some wonderful family times, particularly at ship parties. Ann Jarvis said the USO wants children to remember their parents serving their country and the resulting fun activities.