February 4, 2015 marks the 74th birthday of the United Service Organizations (the USO), which was incorporated in the state of New York on February 4, 1941. According to the USO's website:
Supporting America’s troops was the first mission of the USO. In 1941, as it became clear that the nation was heading into World War II, several organizations mobilized to support the growing U.S. military: the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt created synergy among these agencies by forming the United Service Organizations, with the objective of providing the emotional support the troops needed.
Over time, the USO has evolved, developing new programs and services to meet the ever-changing needs of the troops and their families, while holding fast to the original mission.
Today, the USO continues to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families, and will continue to be there for them until every one comes home.
In September 2013, Theta Chi Fraternity announced a national partnership with the USO, with the USO joining Theta Chi Fraternity’s list of preferred philanthropies, to which chapters and alumni are encouraged to contribute. The Grand Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity passed a resolution which stated:
Whereas the USO has a long history of extending an assisting hand to the men and women of the armed forces of the United States and to their families; and
Whereas Theta Chi Fraternity has a proud military tradition beginning with its founders and extending to the present day through the service of many of its members; and
Whereas the USO has sought the Helping Hand of Theta Chi in its mission of support of American Troops and their families; therefore
Be it Resolved, that the Grand Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity proudly endorses and supports a national partnership between Theta Chi Fraternity and the USO.
Executive Director Mike Mayer noted, “Theta Chi is proud of this philanthropic association with such an outstanding organization. By supporting the USO, Theta Chi not only honors its Creed, but also its storied military roots.”
Theta Chi celebrated this national partnership during the 158th Anniversary Convention in Minneapolis, MN. Th
e USO was on hand to provide information about the partnership and also provided hats to all attendees. Convention attendees signed several banners to show their support for the USO and our troops. A highlight of the celebration session were stories shared by Theta Chi alumni AND undergraduate veterans who had been assisted by the USO. The Fraternity noted the chapters and colonies that had supported the USO with an event during the 2013/2014 school year and heard from Iota Theta Chapter at the University of Central Florida who had developed the successful G.I. Theta Chi philanthropy event. National President Dick Elder challenged all chapters and colonies to become true partners to the USO and instructed each of them to host a GI Theta Chi or other event or project to benefit the USO during the 2014/2015 school year.
We salute the USO and its countless volunteers for their 74 years of commitment to the men, women, families and veterans of the U.S. armed forces. Theta Chi Fraternity will stand with the USO and extend a Helping Hand until everyone comes home.
To learn more about Theta Chi's national partnership with The USO visit www.thetachi.org/uso