What We Do
The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping
them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.
Drive Through USO No-Dough Dinners
USO No-Dough Dinners are a year-round program, offered at USO Great Lakes, that provides the civilian community a chance to express their appreciation by supporting homestyle dinner events that offer free meals to service members and their families. In response to COVID-19, the USO of Illinois reimagined our USO No-Dough Dinner Program as drive through events. Adhering to strict health protocols to ensure participating military and their families remain safe. They simply drive up to receive their pre-packaged meal to enjoy in the safety of their own vehicle.
About the USO of Illinois
The USO of Illinois touches the lives of nearly 350,000 Active Duty, Guard and Reserve military and military families throughout Illinois. Offered year-round, the USO of Illinois provides over 300 programs and services that enhance the quality of our service members' lives. USO of Illinois makes a difference by raising morale through unique recreational, educational and cultural opportunities at our USO Center facilities at Midway Airport, Great Lakes Naval Station, O’Hare Terminal 2, O’Hare Terminal 3, Rock Island Arsenal and Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa.
USO Goes Virtual
For our military, this COVID-19 pandemic is creating additional hardships for those already sacrificing while they serve the country and carry out missions around the world. USO of Illinois has stepped up to create digital programs and services to relieve some of the stress they are facing. Over 3,000 military spouses and military youth have been supported by virtual programs designed to educate and connect military families to others who can empathize and understand the daily challenges of military life.
Volunteer with Us
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, without the 700 volunteers the USO would not be able to carry out our mission of keeping service members connected to family, home and country. USO Centers are reopening in accordance with health and safety regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping in mind the well-being of our service members, their families, our staff and volunteers. We need you to become part of the Force Behind the Forces® by becoming a volunteer today.
USO Pathfinder® Transition Program
The USO Pathfinder® Transition Program extends the USO experience to active duty, Reserve, National Guard and military spouses by offering professional development services throughout the duration of the service member or military spouse’s career, as well as when they transition out of the military and settle into their new communities.
A message about the current state of the COVID-19 outbreak
As the COVID-19 outbreak is quickly evolving, the USO has pivoted resources across the entire global enterprise in an approach that helps care for military members and their families.