Greetings to all our Friends of the USO Northwest! October 16th was one of the most memorable evenings in my 14 years as Executive Director.
For the 300+ that joined me at our annual Five-Star Gala & Auction, I saw your undeniable energy and support for our military, the six Military Members of the Year, those organizations and individuals honored as the USO Northwest’s Order of Distinguished Service Awardees, and most importantly, Master SGT Cedric King.
As promised in the September newsletter, MSGT King delivered what was definitely the brightest star of the evening. For those that missed it, you should be able to view his appearance below.
With two months to go in 2021, please know that your USO Volunteers, board members, and staff are doing all we can to take care of each military member or family member who needs our assistance. Remember, we represent each of you as we provide these services AND for those that want to join our team, please reach out to any USO Northwest center manager or volunteer for more information. Let’s do this! Thank you for reading, and enjoy the rest of our newsletter!
Northwest's Five-Star Gala event returns with a "personal" touch
The USO Northwest Five-Star Gala & Auction returned to its normal in-person format on Oct. 16, with approximately 300 guests in attendance at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton. The event – the largest annual fundraiser of the year – raised more than $350,000 for USO Northwest, which will help continue its mission of serving local military members and their families across Washington and Oregon. See the full album of photos from this event by clicking HERE.
Seattle Golf Tournament sees great turnout
More than 250 golfers hit the course at The Golf Club at Newcastle on Sept. 23 for the 2021 Red, White & Blue Golf Classic, benefitting local military members and their families. The event raised money through sponsorships, auction proceeds, and a number of other player options during the day. Together with USO volunteers, the USO Northwest staff in attendance put together an outstanding, well-supported golf event that will help us continue our mission of supporting service members and military families across Washington and Oregon. Access the full album of photos and videos from the event by clicking HERE.
Honor Flights resume for veterans at PDX
Military veterans from SW Williamette Valley in Oregon recently completed an Honor Flight from Portland to Washington DC and back on Oct. 1 and Oct. 3. View the full photo album here: https://fal.cn/3iOaH.
The USO Mobile van from NASWI participated in homecoming festivities in October at Naval Station Everett. Volunteers braved the elements and were able to set up on the pier joining MWR and other base commands to welcome home the sailors. USO Northwest served up over 100 cups of hot chocolate and other goodies to the families anxiously awaiting their loved ones at the pier.
Military spouses gathered on Oct. 18 at the Camp Lewis USO Center for a Coffee Connections event where they made holiday party Jarcuterie jars with the help of special guest chef Angela Schoppet!!
USO Northwest Fairchild AFB volunteers provided lunch for the 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron on Oct. 6. Everyone loved a hot slice of pizza!
Give More Than Thanks from Nov. 20 through Nov. 28 and gobble ‘til you wobble, run, walk, bike, or swim the 2021 USO Trot for the Troops Virtual 5K.
More information and registration are now available at http://bit.ly/usotrot.
The USO Pathfinder Transitions Program supports military spouses and service members at every stage of their military career. From taking your oath, to well into your journey to civilian life. Let’s face it; military families are constantly in transition. Moving, being between PCS’s, leaving friends and family, prepping to move, deployments, training, remote tours, TDY’s, new additions to the family, graduates heading to college, and everything in between! Having support is a beautiful thing. That’s what the USO is all about!
USO Transitions provides professional development services. Your USO Transition Specialist connects you to the resources you need, no matter where you call home. Core areas of support: employment, education, financial readiness, VA benefits, and mentoring. USO Transitions is a focused, tailored experience. Our objective is to provide you with a detailed action plan for the resources you need to obtain your personal and professional goals. Everything we do is free of charge!
Our program is a fantastic fit for spouses who focus on their families and those transitioning out of the military, preparing to pivot and join the civilian workforce. Schedule time on your calendar to dedicate to your future success and register at www.uso.org/transition.
The USO 1941 Legacy Society recognizes those friends of the USO who make a gift through a will, trust or other estate plans to continue the USO's long tradition of connecting service members back to family, home, and country.
The generosity, dedication, and patriotism of our 1941 Legacy Society members allow the USO to continue its mission. We deliver critical programs and services that promote a healthy, resilient, confident, and prepared military as our dedicated service members continue to deploy far from their communities and family.
Among the benefits of membership include:
Exclusive invitations to VIP events
Exclusive invitations to USO educational and programmatic seminars
Recognition on the USO's planned giving website
Subscription to the USO eNewsletter
Special USO Legacy Society pin
You can join by completing the USO 1941 Legacy Society pledge form or mailing a copy of your estate planning paperwork to our address: USO Northwest, 17801 International Blvd., PMB 313, Seattle WA, 98158.
THE USO IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND NOT PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD). THE APPEARANCE OF DOD VISUAL INFORMATION DOES NOT IMPLY OR CONSTITUTE DOD ENDORSEMENT.
