USO Wisconsin is a non-profit that keeps currently serving US military connected with their family. We helped relieve stress of 70,108 participants last year through our centers and events. The home office is at the Milwaukee County War Memorial.
PROGRAMS:
Operation Christmas: 400 attendees registered in 2016. Military families in need can pick out presents, children make stockings for those in need, and everyone ate and visited with Santa.
“Without this event, my family would not have had a Christmas.” --Attendee at Event
United Through Reading: USO gives book and video of deployed parent reading it to their children.
Father/Daughter Dance: Fathers reconnecting with daughters and making cherished memories with music, snacks and other activities.
Deployments, Welcome Home and Dignified Transfers: We host a room and refreshments for military and their families.
Ticket Programs: USO Wisconsin distributes tickets to military families for-- Brewers, Admirals, concerts, movies and other entertainment.
Operation Baby Shower: Lunch for military moms who don’t have extended family nearby to host baby shower. Experts provide valuable advice and moms get gift bag full of items (diapers, clothes, etc.)
CENTERS:
Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS): In 2016, supported 9,197 new recruits and their families who are dealing with the process of joining the military.
Milwaukee Airport: We supported 8,742 service members and their families in transit, deployments, welcome homes, and dignified transfers.
La Crosse Airport: Opened in 2016 to support 5,979 service members who arrive to go to Fort McCoy or other military installations.
Fort McCoy: In 2016 we support 9,775 on the training grounds to offer Wi-Fi, phones for calling home, stress relieving activities and comfort foods. We had more than 14,000 program participants in first year.
“Without you being here a lot of the soldiers would be in a much worse place emotionally. A cup of hot coffee and internet is life changing, and the only life-line these guys have to their families right now.” --Officer at Fort McCoy