Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., greets a therapy dog at a USO event in Washington on Sept. 11, 2024. (Kaylyn Barnhart/Stars and Stripes)

WASHINGTON — Members of Congress participated in the USO Experience on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, an event where the USO exhibited its six core programs that support military service members and their families around the world.

The USO’s programs strive to keep service members and their families connected wherever they are, giving strength and boosting morale during tough times apart from each other.

“I want them [members of Congress] to understand some of the sacrifices service members and their families make that we are helping to alleviate,” said JD Crouch, the CEO and president of the USO.

Each year the USO sends invitations to all 535 members of Congress, encouraging them to stop by the USO Experience, show their support and learn more about the USO’s initiatives. USO staff shared information about each of their programs to Congress members throughout the event with displays and demonstrations.

“People don’t realize we have a broad array of programs. Part of the effort here is to broaden their understanding of what we’re doing, and how impactful it is. It’s not just airport centers and entertainment, it’s a lot more,” Crouch said.

Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., assembles a care package for troops on the far right; her staffers follow behind her. (Kaylyn Barnhart/Stars and Stripes)

Booths and stalls at the event represented six core programs: USO Care Packages, USO Centers, USO Entertainment, USO Gaming, USO Reading Program and USO Canine.

Attendees got a look at each of these programs by touring a replica of a USO Center, learning about the USO Reading Program, meeting certified therapy dogs, watching clips of USO performances and playing video games. Members of Congress also had an opportunity to assemble care packages for currently deployed troops — several assembled more than one.

“The USO does wonderful work to support our service members, and I was honored to be able to help assemble some care packages for those who serve our country in uniform to keep us safe, secure and free,” said Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.

While the USO’s care package initiative has been around for decades, the event also showcased newer, growing initiatives.

The USO is continually building and improving its gaming centers and shipping out self-contained gaming units for troops in areas without a USO presence.

The gaming units are portable and equipped with gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Switch and Xbox, along with popular games. This outlet allows troops to connect with family and friends while playing their favorite games.

“Gaming is a no-brainer,” said Callum Fletcher, senior director of Global Gaming Operations at the USO, who noted that many service members played video games before joining the military.

USO Senior Director of Global Gaming Operations Callum Fletcher shows off the organization’s self-contained video game units. (Kaylyn Barnhart/Stars and Stripes)

Another program is also expected to see improvements. The USO Reading Program, which allows service members to send recordings of themselves reading books to their children and vice versa, has come a long way since the era of CDs, but USO staff members said they hope to make it even more accessible. Currently, service members need to either go to a USO center or get help from a USO employee to participate. The organization is testing ways to reduce that friction.

Aside from the exhibits, USO employees had the opportunity to tell legislators about the organization’s other initiatives, such as USO2GO kits for service members stationed far from traditional USO centers.

The USO is chartered by Congress, so it is an important relationship for the organization to keep and receive support.

“I want them to know how much we appreciate the support Congress gives us,” Crouch said.