Giving Back Magazine March 2019 | Page 21

members and their families in an award-winning lounge. The Liberty Station Center houses the organization’s executive and programming staff and offers free services to all active duty military personnel and their families throughout the San Diego area and onboard military installations by utilizing USO San Diego’s new Sprinter. This new USO San Diego Mobile Initiative provides a fully-integrated mobile program that empowers us to actively deliver our vital services directly to military members and families where they live in our community. Neil Ash Airport Center than 253,000 active military members and their families, served more than 31,000 meals and provided more than 5,500 toys to deserving children of our service members. The organization’s 1,200+ volunteers showed their loving care by donating more than 52,000 hours, continuing the commitment to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation USO San Diego operates four centers, the Neil Ash Airport Center, the Liberty Station Center, the Downtown Distribution Center and the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) location. All USO San Diego facilities are equipped with quality programming, lounge areas and amenities that provide relaxation, comfort and support. Their Airport Center is the largest of its kind in the world and supports traveling service In addition, last year USO San Diego supported our Military at the Border with food and supplies; In January 2019, we supported our Coast Guard with food and supplies during the Government shut down. On Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina, USO San Diego will hold its 78th Annual Stars and Stripes Gala: Stand Up for Liberty. The Gala, themed “Stand Up for Liberty,” will support our military by raising funds for local active duty military and their families. The event will celebrate businessman and philanthropist, Ernest Rady, and Film & TV star and military advocate, Gary Sinise. Co- Chairs of the event include Hélène and George Gould, Reena and Sam Horowitz, Arlene and Richard Esgate, Jeanne Jones and Stephanie Brown. Entertainment will be provided by Las Vegas headliner Frankie Moreno and his nine-piece band and Joe Everson, Painter, TV artist and singer. USO San Diego Mobile Initiative Sprinter Liberty Station Center The USO San Diego is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection. To learn more, visit USO San Diego at www.usosandiego.org. MARCH 2019 | GBSAN.COM 21