(Arlington, VA, Tuesday, November 24, 2020) – The holidays are one of the loneliest times of the year for our military and their families. This holiday season it is particularly important for all military supporters to work together to say thank you and to keep the military and their families connected to what they hold most dear.

The USO is a nonprofit, non-government organization, which relies on generous donors to fuel the support of the nation’s military.  With the help of volunteers, donors and partners, the USO strengthens our Armed Forces by keeping them connected to family, home and country. This year has brought unexpected challenges, new hurdles and ever-changing needs. Connection is more critical than ever.

With less than one half of one percent of all Americans serving in the active duty armed forces, there isn’t as much of a connection to the military as there once was.

This holiday season as we pause to celebrate time-honored traditions, thousands of service members will be on duty working. As we celebrate at home, they will be miles away from their families.

During this holiday season the USO will distribute 40,000 special USO Holidays care packages to service members around the world. The USO’s more than 250 locations are also continuing to show dedication and creativity in programming, services and entertainment for troops and their families to make the holiday season special for our nation’s heroes.

December 1-12 the USO will celebrate “12 Days of Gratitude” which will highlight a different USO program or service each day and thank our community of military supporters for all that they’ve done, and continue to do, to help strengthen, connect and honor our military.

The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, the USO is united in their commitment to connect service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort and support. The USO is a private nonprofit organization, not a government agency. The USO’s programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of corporate partners and the dedication of volunteers and staff. To learn more about the USO, visit USO.org.