John Brantley Airport Director

The “U” in USO is You
Editorial

I grew up in Raleigh in the 1940s, 50s and early 60s. That was a great time to be young. It also was a period during which our country frequently was at war. World War II ended on August 14, 1945, but it would be many months before all of the troops came home. Then the Korean War began on June 25, 1950 and continued past the signing of the Armistice on July 27, 1953. By 1957, American advisers were being sent into Vietnam, where a conflict was brewing that would continue to increase in intensity until Saigon was overrun in the spring of 1975.

Throughout this period, fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins and some mothers, sisters and aunts also headed off to training or the battlefront. They came home from the war zone or were given leave to get some rest from the stresses and strains of combat. All over the world as they moved about, the United Services Organization (USO) could be found aiding and supporting them, providing for their comfort, helping them contact their families, giving them a place to relax for awhile and providing a helping hand. At Christmas time, the USO Tour headed by Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Betty Grable, Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe and other stars of the stage and screen would head out to entertain the troops in far distant parts of the world. The USO was there for our soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen wherever they were.

On August 5, 2004, a USO Center was opened at RDU. In my view, renovating and upfitting the space for that facility was one of the best things we've done during my time here. The need for and popularity of the USO Center has grown so rapidly that in far less than one year its operation had to be extended to 24 hours per day. The volunteers who staff it do an excellent job and deserve our admiration for their contributions. The many companies and individuals who contribute money, food and drink, furniture, appliances, computers, audio-visual equipment and supplies, foremost among which is LC Industries of Durham, also deserve accolades for their support of the mission. Together, they make the USO Center the home away from home it is intended to be.

At the bottom line, however, are the men and women of America who serve in our armed forces and their families. They are the ones who are doing the job in all parts of the globe every day, whether within or out of harm's way. They carry on the tradition of citizens called to bear arms to defend our country. Regardless of whether you favor U.S. involvement in Iraq , Afghanistan or elsewhere in the world, as Americans we have an obligation to support the men and women who have answered the call. Whether it's by writing a check, providing goods or volunteering your time, please help support the troops by giving to the USO. You'll be glad you did. Check out the USO of North Carolina's website at www.uso-nc.org to see what is being done.

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