In 2009, the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, along with other community leaders, set out to bring the state’s first permanent USO location to Columbia. One year later, USO South Carolina (SC) officially opened its doors at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
USO SC celebrated its second location at Camp McCrady Training Center in Eastover, SC, in September 2011. Together, the two locations serve more than 76,000 soldiers a year.
We sat down with Joanie Thresher, director of USO SC, to find out more about what the organization is doing locally and how the Midlands community can get involved.
What is the USO?
For more than 70 years, the United Services Organization (USO) has been the leading military-based service organization in the United States. Founded by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941, the USO develops new programs and services to meet the everchanging needs of troops and their families, while holding fast to the organization’s mission: Lifting the spirits of America’s troops and their families.
Tell us about the services offered by USO SC.
USO SC acts as a “home away from home” for the troops. Whether it is giving them a space to rest while traveling, planning entertainment events, or helping troops keep in touch with loved ones back home, the USO seeks to provide comfort to all troops while visiting. It’s just a small way to say thank you.
Tell us more about your two locations.
Our airport location is a 950-square-foot facility. Open daily, it features a Cyber Café, entertainment lounge complete with large screen televisions and gaming systems, library and kitchen offering troops pre-packaged snacks and beverages. Camp McCrady Training Center is actually what we call “USO in a box.” It is a portable, two-room center that can be unfolded and operational within 20 minutes of being dropped on-site. The room has internet access, laptops, televisions, a DVD player and gaming systems. It’s really pretty amazing!
What is a typical day like at USO SC?
Nothing is typical about a day at the USO! We have the honor of meeting troops and their families as they spend time in our center. It’s nice to get to know the troops and give them a shoulder to lean on, or cry on, as needed. We meet a variety of troops daily – some coming in for basic training, away from home for the first time. Some are WWII veterans stopping by to share their memories of the USO. Every day is different, but every day is a great day!
How many soldiers come through USO SC each year?
About 72,000 soldiers per year travel through the Columbia Metropolitan Airport en route to various military bases throughout the state. Camp McCrady sees more than 4,000 soldiers per year.
What is your fondest memory from working with the organization?
That is a very tough question, but my favorite is from our United Through Reading program. We videotaped a sailor reading his daughter a book and then mailed it home for him while he was deployed overseas. He told me, “Thank you for allowing me to be part of my daughter’s life.” How powerful is that! That’s just one of many stories. I have so many fond memories, but my favorites are the ones about keeping families connected.
How has working at USO SC impacted your life?
It has made me a better listener, more patient, understanding and flexible. I understand the meaning of doing the right thing!
What can the greater Midlands community do to help the local USO?
USO SC is a nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization that relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities. We need sustaining partners with both monetary and in-kind donations to keep our services running.
What’s coming in 2012 from USO Columbia?
Additional troops with additional needs. We feel confident with the help of the community we’ll be ready!
Are you interested in volunteering for USO SC or supporting them through donations? Contact programs manager, Katie Kennedy, at 803.822.7955 or
kkennedy@uso.org.