Tuesday, May 20, 2014

In This Issue

Me & a Friend with the Chicago Cubs

Harvard vs. Yale Whirlybowl

For more information,

to donate or volunteer visit our website:

www.usoofillinois.org

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Chicago IL, 60604

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The USO of Illinois annually serves over 300,000 service members and their families at 6 USO Centers and through hundreds of programs and services.

USO of Illinois Honors
National Military Appreciation Month in May

The month of May marks the 15th anniversary of National Military Appreciation Month. Congress dedicated the month to military in 1999, elevating the history of our United States Armed Forces, recognizing the diversity and achievements of its personnel and educating all generations of Americans on the historical impact of the military. Throughout the month, many organizations, including the USO of Illinois, express their gratitude and appreciation for those who have served or are currently serving in our nation's Armed Forces. Well over 90 million Americans and centuries of American military history are celebrated during the month of May. Some of the important themes interwoven throughout the month are community, service and recognition.

On April 24th, CNA Insurance hosted a care package drive in Chicago to support National Military Appreciation Month. CNA Staff members and their families generously donated time to help the USO of Illinois stuff 64 "USO Sweet Home Chicago" care packages that were delivered to military members currently deployed to Afghanistan. CNA staff members also created heartfelt cards of appreciation for those serving that were enclosed in the care package boxes. The custom care packages will provide a warm reminder of home to those serving far away overseas.

The USO of Illinois is proud to support our military 365 days a year, but especially during National Military Appreciation Month.

The USO of Illinois thanks CNA staff and families for their generous support!

Helping Military Kids Stay Strong:

The USO's Me & a Friend with the Chicago Cubs

It was a blustery, rainy Monday in late April, at Wrigley Field but that didn't dampen the spirit of military kids and their families who attended a Chicago Cubs game through the Me & A Friend program. On April 21st the USO of Illinois kicked off the annual series of special events that support and honor service members and their families.

The program, founded in 2011, supports resiliency and helps area military kids build and strengthen friendships among their peer groups while they experience sports or cultural events. The tickets are free and donated by area supporters to the USO. The Chicago Cubs graciously donated the tickets.

Currently there are 1.7 million children and youth with either a mother or father serving in the United States Armed Forces. There are also approximately 900,000 military kids with one or both parents deployed at multiple times. The USO's Me & a Friend program recognizes the hardships these families endure and lifts their spirits by providing quality time with family and friends.

Harvard & Yale Clubs of Illinois Go Head-To-Head

in a Whirly Ball Face-Off to Benefit the Troops

Whiffle balls whizzed through the air while chants of "Go Harvard!" and "Team Yale!" echoed throughout the court. It was the first annual Harvard-Yale WhirlyBowl Tournament, and it was a great success. To the victors, Harvard, went the spoils. The Harvard and Yale Alumni Clubs of Chicago came together on Saturday May 3rd at Chicago's very own Whirly Ball court. Whirly Ball, a rising sport in the Chicagoland area, is a team game that matches the agility and shooting of Basketball with the electric-fun of bumper cars.

The two teams clashed in an epic battle with proceeds going to the USO of Illinois. The event also featured a silent auction boasting amazing prizes such as a Tiffany & Co. Necklace, dinner with the Harvard football coach, and a signed Chicago Blackhawks jersey. The spokesperson for the Harvard Club of Chicago, Bruce Mumford, expressed his admiration for the support the USO of Illinois provides to our troops in Illinois during the short program. They were honored to welcome Captain Randy Dill and Captain Dustin Cammack, Illinois Army National Guard, who shared their first-hand experiences of USO support from the front lines of their deployments.

Harvard took home the win with a score of 6 - 2, guaranteeing them the official WhirlyBowl trophy and boasting rights for the next year. A Yale Alumni lamented, "I thought we would take down Harvard no problem. But, I am glad to be out here today supporting the USO of Illinois. I know that they do a lot for the local military community and hearing the two soldiers speak shows the impact that the USO has on their deployments as well as their families."

The day ended with a rousing game of laser tag, hosted at the Whirly Ball courts, for children under the age of 12 whom accompanied their parents to the event.

The USO of Illinois would like to thank both the Harvard and Yale Clubs for their support to the USO of Illinois, and we cannot wait to see you next year!