USO

Military Appreciation Month amplifies what Americans feel year-round: deep gratitude for the people who serve. The USO delivers your words directly into the hands of the men and women serving far from home. Every message received. See the impact when real service members receive real messages of support from people like you: USO.org/messages

In Los Angeles this week, the USO was honored to recognize Ann-Margret with a commemorative USO Challenge Coin for her extraordinary commitment to America’s service members. In this milestone year marking the 85th birthdays of both Ann-Margret and the USO, this tribute highlights a shared legacy of service. The Honorable Barbara Barrett, member of the USO Board of Governors, revealed and presented the Challenge Coin—an emblem deeply rooted in military tradition, symbolizing trust, shared experience, and belonging. Ann-Margret joins Bob Hope as only the second recipient of this distinguished honor. Throughout her career, Ann-Margret toured with the USO three times, including two visits to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War—leaving an enduring impact on generations of service members and their families. The event brought together leaders and supporters including remarks from Linda Hope, daughter of USO comedic legend Bob Hope, and USO CEO Lt. Gen (ret.) Mike Linnington, followed by a conversation moderated by Pete Hammond, Chief Film Critic and Awards Columnist for Deadline. We are proud to celebrate a legacy of USO Entertainment that continues to inspire and strengthen the connection between the American people and those who serve.

From overseas to right here at home, this Month of the Military Child was unforgettable! Watch how our centers celebrated worldwide. Thank you to everyone who made this month so special for military kids.

Earlier this month, WWE Superstars Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo and Michin visited Nellis Air Force Base and Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas ahead of WrestleMania in Las Vegas. They met with service members and surprised a few with tickets to WrestleMania. They also shared words of encouragement and support with the students at Coral Academy as part of an event for Purple Up Day and Month of the Military Child. (Photos by WWE/Michael Kirschbaum)

Actor Bob Odenkirk and writer Derek Kolstad visited Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on April 24 to host an advance screening of their new movie "Normal" for service members. They also met with Marines and toured the base. (Photos by USMC Sgt Dillon Buck)

“When we see the USO coming, we know something good is about to happen.” As troops rapidly deploy across the Middle East, the USO is by their side – literally. When they arrive without toothpaste, we’re there waiting with toiletries. When they want to call home to tell their loved ones they made it safely, our USO Centers’ doors are open with free Wi-Fi, phones and computers. When the stress of deployment takes its toll, we arrive on the front lines with activities and a morale boost to give them a chance to rest and recharge. Because when we say “we go where they go” – we mean it. To learn more about the USO’s boots-on-the-grounds efforts to support deployed service members in the Middle East, click here: https://brnw.ch/21x1Y4D

Watch U.S. service members introduce the New England Patriots' draft pick during the second round of the NFL draft. For nearly 60 years, the USO and National Football League (NFL) have worked together to deliver programs and events that support service members and military families across the globe.

"Being a military child means being resilient before you even learn what the word means," said Allie, age 14. Many military children relocate year after year, moving alongside their military parent with each new duty station. Faced with constant goodbyes and new hellos, military kids like Allie learn to grow and bloom wherever they land, no matter where in the world the military takes them. Allie's poem "Where I Go, I Grow," which is part of the 2026 USO Military Kids Creative Showcase, reflects on the resiliency and strength found within herself and her peers. Read the full essay: https://brnw.ch/21x1TOL.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Wylie has consistently found a home-away-from-home at the USO, no matter where duty has taken him. And now as a USO volunteer, he is paying it forward by helping his fellow service members navigate life stationed overseas at his local USO Center. His unwavering commitment to his military community in Japan is why Austin was named the 2025 USO Volunteer of the Year. Read more about Austin's military and USO journeys: https://brnw.ch/21x1RCU. 📸: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Carissa McSwain

Watch Cesar Millan announce and congratulate the USO Canine Volunteer of the Year! The USO understands the strong bond between humans and animals and the critical roles a dog can play within the military community to help address mental, emotional, and physical needs. Through interactions with certified therapy dogs at USO events and USO centers, service members and their families experience the profound emotional support that only a four-legged friend can offer. Thank you to Cesar and to all our USO Canine Volunteers! Find out more about the USO Canine Program at uso.org/canine