From Travis Burgin at USO

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ARLINGTON, Va. - The USO announced an aggressive effort to expand its fundraising partners who sell products through the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) today. Under this new relationship, the USO, DeCA and the agency's vendors will be able to participate in a broader range of promotions to benefit the troops and their families through the USO.

"For the past 13 years the USO had an outstanding promotional relationship with an individual broker on a number of promotions," said Sloan Gibson, president and CEO of the USO. "USO programs and commissary shoppers benefited greatly from these promotions, but participation was limited to the companies affiliated with that broker.

"In order to respond to requests from a number of other DeCA partners, we decided to expand our role with the commissaries."

The USO has been lifting the spirits of the U.S. military and their families since 1941. In the past year, programs have expanded dramatically to better serve their needs and the needs of wounded warriors.

"We have opened additional centers in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Gibson. "And, we are expanding support for troops at the tip of the spear, their families and wounded warriors. This increase effort required more support and creates more opportunities for our partners."

New USO locations in Iraq and Afghanistan were augmented this year by programs that deliver USO services to remote forward operating bases. The USO placed 3 USOs in a Box at remote forward operating bases this year. These transportable, expandable units contain laptop computers, electronic games and a projector so troops at these bases can enjoy USO services in the most remote areas of the world. They also enable troops to use the Internet and call home via satellite connectivity.

"We are looking forward to many great promotions with DeCA," the USO chief added. "Shoppers participating in our promotions benefit two ways - they help the USO mission whenever they take advantage of USO-DeCA promotions; and they save money at the same time. Everyone wins."

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Friends Of Uso South Texas!

God Bless America and the supporters of USO South Texas! Our "Always Home! A Salute!" was a huge success. We are headed down a new path to build a stronger USO Family for the support for our troops here in the Coastal Bend and their families.

Larry Linde, USO South Texas President officially launched the three (3) WWII Treasures Scholarships named in honor of USO Emeritus Board Members, Maxine Flournoy, Grandis Lenken, and Texas Admiral Bill Sheka, Marine Fighter Pilot!!!

Juan Garcia, Assistant Secretary Of The Navy - Designate and his wife, Denise were on hand to honor our Military and our Treasures as USO South Texas moves forward in making waves to build on the future for our Military Families.

We were also thrilled to have Sloan Gibson, USO President and CEO of the entire World. This was Sloan's first visit to South Texas, he was happy to see the enthusiasm of the community and the Military...Look for more changes to come for our USO South Texas.

Our USO at NAVSTA Ingleside will be closing next year when BRAC officially closes the base September 2010. Through a partnership with the Navy we are able to continue serving our military until the gates are closed. The Port of Corpus Christi Authority is working with us as we move toward a new adventure. Hold on to your hats, open your hearts and continue to make good things happen for our Military Family!

Organizations lead donation drive in support of troops overseas

IBC Bank and KIII-TV have partnered for Operation Care Drop, an initiative in support of our servicemen and women stationed overseas in defense of our nation. More than 225 IBC branches across Texas and Oklahoma will serve as drop-off stations for care package supplies from May 25 (Memorial Day) through July 4. Eight local IBC Bank branches are participating, including those in Corpus Christi, Portland and Sinton.

Participating in Operation Care Drop is easy and convenient. “Drop Zone” boxes are located in participating IBC’s branches. To help pack and ship the goods overseas, IBC is working with Operation Interdependence® (OI), the premier Civilian-to-Military Delivery System® in the United States.

The general public can support Operation Care Drop by:

Purchasing care package supplies and placing them in the “Drop Zone” box at any participating IBC Bank branch. A suggested donation items (gum, travel-size toiletries, playing cards, etc.) is conveniently available at branches. Supplies must fit inside a quart-sized plastic bag.

Writing a letter of support or thanks to a soldier. Words of kindness and encouragement go a long way to boost morale and spread the spirit of patriotism.