[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USO

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, when Americans hear ``USO,'' they often 
think of Bob Hope. There is no question that he helped to lift the 
spirits of countless men and women in uniform, but the USO impacts 
military personnel in a number of other important ways, too, which is 
something it has been doing literally for decades--in fact, 75 years to 
the day. I think every colleague will join me in commemorating this 
impressive 75-year history.
  Our men and women in uniform sacrifice a great deal to defend us, and 
so do their families. One of the things the USO excels at is helping 
them to stay connected--connected to hometowns, connected to loved 
ones, connected to the simpler joys in life. From providing deployed 
soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines with an opportunity to phone 
home, to providing world-class entertainment, to helping servicemembers 
find meaningful employment once their service is complete, the USO's 
mission is broad in scope and has made a lasting and positive impact on 
many since it was first conceived just before World War II. Much of 
that credit is due to Americans' willingness to volunteer.
  Our military personnel--especially our forward deployed and combat 
arms units--willingly trade the comforts of home for harsh living 
conditions. They often forgo life's precious moments, such as 
celebrating a child's birthday or a first day at school, and they are 
willing to put everything on the line for us. The USO provides one more 
platform to say ``thank you'' for that service, to show gratitude for 
that sacrifice, to let every man and woman in uniform know what they 
mean to us.
  Congratulations to the USO for 75 years of service to our troops and 
their families. We hope you will continue your important work for many 
years to come.

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