USO

Unlock the secrets to LinkedIn success! Join the USO and Hire Military for an exclusive workshop on Thursday, July 11 at 7:00 PM ET, led by Michael Quinn, a 3x LinkedIn Top Voice. Elevate your LinkedIn game, expand your network, and accelerate your career growth. Secure your virtual spot today: https://lnkd.in/gpPWkVR7 #usotransitions

 I'm proud to share the @USO's 2023 Global Impact Report, highlighting our incredible achievements in supporting service members and their families worldwide over the past year. From standing by those deployed in Eastern Europe amid the conflict in Ukraine to responding swiftly to natural disasters like the wildfires in Hawaii and Typhoon Mawar in Guam, the USO's presence has been unwavering. With the opening of over 20 new Centers across six states and six countries, our reach has extended even further, ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform have the support they need wherever their mission takes them. Notably, we launched our first ship-based USO Centers aboard the USS George H.W. Bush and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, providing vital resources and a sense of community to service members at sea. These milestones, along with the dedication of nearly 20,000 volunteers who contributed over 1.2 million hours of service, showcase the profound and expansive impact of the USO. #TheUSO

Are you ready to take on a critical role in cybersecurity realm? Join the USO and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Wednesday, July 10th at 11am ET. Learn about the agency's mission and career opportunities. Register now https://bit.ly/USOandCISA #usotransitions

🎮Thanks to Microsoft Flight Simulator for supporting the USO with the release of their Famous Flyer 09: Douglas C-47D Skytrain & Waco CG-4A! These iconic WWII aircraft have been meticulously recreated for virtual pilots to experience. Microsoft will donate 100% of each sale of the virtual aircraft bundle to #theUSO from now until July 5th. Read the story of the glider/tow airplane system and how it helped the Allied efforts in World War II. https://lnkd.in/gXKxc66c

Want to future-proof your career? Join us for a webinar with the USO Transitions team on Monday, July 8th at 11am ET and explore educational opportunities. From free online courses, digital badges, and professional certificates, we'll provide the support to help you thrive in any field. Register now https://lnkd.in/gDeNTjUV #usotransitions

Shell shock. Invisible battle scars. Hidden wounds of war. There have been many attempts to define the mental health challenges that service members struggle with in the wake of their service. But regardless of how you describe it, service members with PTSD and other mental health concerns deserve and need support as they navigate their recovery. PTSD can affect all aspects of a person’s life. Those who struggle with it often experience distressing flashbacks to the traumatic moments of their service, hyper-vigilance and insomnia, as well as feelings of sadness, anger, depression, anxiety or even estrangement from their loved ones. PTSD doesn’t just affect service members but their military family members as well. And while mental health is a complicated issue that is not easily solved, the USO is committed to supporting and uplifting service members and military families through every step of their service – through our USO Centers, through our programs and even through our canine volunteers. As PTSD Awareness Month comes to a close, read how a veteran and his service dogs are supporting wounded, ill and injured service members alongside #theUSO. #PTSDAwareness https://lnkd.in/g-pJizWc

Becoming a military spouse can be both an exciting and daunting new chapter of one’s life. While many military families experience moves overseas and create memories that will last a lifetime, it doesn’t come without many sacrifices and time away from their service member or loved ones back home. These consistent moves provide an added difficulty for spouses wanting to maintain and advance their professional careers. “What I like most about being a military spouse is the opportunity to meet so many wonderful and diverse people from all walks of life and experiences,” Meridith shared. “The most challenging aspect is definitely the professional and personal impact of moving often." Meridith began reaching out to some organizations and resources specifically built to support military spouses. It was in one of those seminars that she heard about the USO Transition Program. The USO Transition Program is a free program for all service members, Reservists, National Guard members and military spouses, and one that can be utilized again and again, throughout their entire time serving in the military. This program provides clients, such as military spouses like Meridith, with personalized support and connection to resources for employment, education and professional mentoring. https://lnkd.in/gyARiEXm

“This has been one of the most special press days I've ever been part of,” Austin Butler tells PEOPLE Magazine | PEOPLE.com. “Just getting to meet all these heroes out here,” the Elvis Oscar nominee adds, “I’m so impressed and so humbled.” In anticipation of the release of Focus Features' film The Bikeriders, stars Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Norman Reedus and Writer/Director Jeff Nichols joined the USO for a visit to Fort Irwin located in San Bernardino County, California, to honor and celebrate service members. The cast arrived at Fort Irwin via Black Hawk helicopters and got an up-close look at the installation’s mission and how troops train at the U.S. Army’s premier training center. “It feels like a beautiful part of the job,” reflects Jodie Comer. “You do the acting part, which is what you sign up for, but then you end up finding yourselves in these kind of unlikely places and getting to have an insight into a very different world.” #THEBIKERIDERS hits theaters nationwide on June 21st. https://lnkd.in/gqXq2gVC

Sabel Peterson, a first lieutenant in the Minnesota National Guard, has always been an active person who loves to work on teams and lead others. “My leaders have seen qualities in me that are effective in leading troops, so I’ve had a lot of fun doing that during my junior enlisted years,” said Sabel. During her career, Sabel has had many mentors and advocates who have seen potential in her and pushed her to apply herself in ways she might not have thought of herself. It is directly because of them that she is where she is now. “I am part of the LGBTQIA+ community and attend as many LGBTQIA+ events with the Minnesota National Guard special emphasis councils as I can,” Sabel said. The council creates a space where service members who are also part of the LGBTQIA+ community can feel comfortable expressing themselves in the workplace and educate others in the force who may need to be made aware of those serving in their ranks. “It’s great that someone like me, in the rank that I’m at, can help create space for those under me and enable them to feel safe to express themselves in the workplace, knowing they have an advocate above them,” Sabel said. We strengthen the well-being of all who serve in many ways, including celebrating diversity and inclusion within our military community. We remain committed to creating a culture of acceptance and belonging where every individual feels valued, respected and supported. Read Sabel's story and join us in honoring the courage, resilience and contributions of all LGBTQIA+ service members and their families. https://brnw.ch/21wKNn4

As we celebrate this Father’s Day with all the dads and father-figures in our lives, it’s important to remember that many military fathers and children will be spending today apart. We thank the people who serve – and their families – for the immense sacrifices they make today and every day in service to this country.