Volunteers: the heart and soul of the USO Published April 21, 2008 By Phil Martinez United Service Organizations FORT CARSON, Colo. -- The USO, since 1941, has been many things: a home away from home to our troops, an environment to decompress and relax and a place to enjoy free telephone cards, internet and e-mail access, game room, movie theater and so much more; all for free. With the USO coming to Colorado Springs and its construction underway, the excitement is building for the organization's soft opening in early August 2008. Making this happen is the heart and soul of the organization: it's talented volunteers. The USO's volunteers, in more than 132 centers worldwide, are the staple of the organization. Volunteers total more than 26,000 and continue to grow everyday. Ft. Carson's USO is in the process of recruiting volunteers for the organization's new center here. The USO meets the pressing military needs of servicemen and women by mobilizing caring Coloradoans in assisting the center. Every day, hundreds of people find ways to make meaningful, rewarding contributions to the USO worldwide. And here in Southern Colorado, the USO continues that tradition. For those in the Southern Colorado area, here are a few ways they can contribute to America's fighting men and women: USO Center - Daily duties will include staffing the center, assisting with movies, distribution of laptop computers, upkeep of the center, ensuring all snacks are distributed, catering to our servicemen and women and most importantly, greeting military members with the utmost respect and a smile. Calendar Projects - Choose from flexibly-scheduled volunteer projects every month, the ideal choice for individuals. Annual Events - The perfect way for individuals and groups to make a difference in just one day. Corporate Service - Offers a wide variety of ways for companies to engage their employees in volunteerism. Community Grapevine - In addition to the USO's year-round operating of the center, the Ft. Carson USO will have a multitude of events volunteers can assist with. From dinners and galas, picnics, walk-a-thons, golf tournaments, RV tour and school fundraising drives, the USO provides the perfect way for individuals and groups to make a difference in just one day or every day. When Coloradoans volunteer, they are giving something back to their community and to America's brave men and women in uniform. What people may not realize is that volunteering also benefits them as an individual. There are many good reasons to get involved with the USO, some of the benefits of volunteering include: *Making new friends *Exploring career and personal interests *Earning great recommendations for future employment or college applications *Developing marketable job skills *Building a resume *Enriching education *Uncovering hidden skills and talents *Increasing one's self-confidence *Having fun *Making a difference and demonstrating one's commitment to America's armed forces For more information on volunteering at the Ft. Carson USO, contact Phil Martinez at pmartinez@uso.org or (719) 306-1898 to be a part of a rewarding experience of supporting America's troops.