The Elks Partner with the USO to Help Support Military Families

May 24, 2011 - PRLog -- ARLINGTON, Va. (May 24th, 2011) — The USO announces its partnership with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in support of the Joining Forces initiative led by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to strengthen military families.
The partnership signifies the Elks continued dedication to our military. The Elks   
 have a long, storied tradition of assisting our nation’s veterans—from providing care and comfort to veterans, to the Army of Hope program which assists families of active duty military personnel. The Elks mission aligns with the main objective of Joining Forces.
In a nationwide effort to support troops and their families, the Elks’ Army of Hope enables individual volunteers to make a difference in the lives of our service men and women and their families. A few of the services provided through the program are: providing household services, performing automobile repairs and hosting welcome home parties.
“Being a part of the Joining Forces initiative maximizes the support, care and comfort more than 900,000 Elks members in more than 2,000 communities across the country can provide,” said Michael F. Smith, Elks National President. “Together, we can do even more for the brave men and women, and their families, serving our country.”
Joining Forces highlights the unique needs and issues surrounding military families in the areas of employment, education and wellness. The initiative provides ways for agencies, organizations, corporations and individual Americans to participate by going to the website, www.joiningforces.gov, to:
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Send Messages of Thanks
o Collectandpassalongpowerfulmessagesofgratitudetoournation'smilitary families.
Find Ways to Connect and Volunteer
o VisitServe.govtolearnaboutthemanyvolunteeropportunitiesinyourareathat you can participate in to support military families.
Share Stories of Support
o Therearemanywaysyoucansupportamilitaryfamilyinyourlocalcommunity. Relay your efforts and ideas.
Learn more about the Elks at http://www.elks.org and the Army of Hope program at http://www.elks.org/vets/armyofhope.cfm.
Send a Message of Thanks to our troops as part of the Joining Forces initiative at joiningforces.uso.org.

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The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases, top-quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.