CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 437th Aerial Port Squadron loaded up a Charleston C-17 here with the USO's newest morale boosting effort, USO in a Box, March 8.
While the mission of the 437 APS is to provide responsive global cargo and passenger movement operations they sometimes have the opportunity to load a different type of cargo that still benefits the warfighter.
USO in a Box is described by the USO as being a transportable, ruggedized shelter than can be moved from one location to another by plane, ship or vehicle and takes roughly 10 minutes to set up.
Once assembled, the USO in a Box is 15 feet in length, 22 feet in width and 8 feet in height and is configured with gaming systems and today's popular games, rugged laptops with wireless internet capability, two Voice-Over Internet Protocol phones as well as a movie theatre area.
The gaming area boasts three individual gaming booths; each with its own 23-inch high definition flat screen, high definition TV and the movie theatre area has its own 42-inch high definition flat screen TV.
Since it's inception in 1941, the objective of the USO has always been to boost the spirits of those serving in the Armed Forces and USO hopes this new program will have a positive result.
"Because the USO cannot put fixed centers at every forward operating base in Southwest Asia, we launched the USO in a Box program," said Tiane Harrison, Media Relations manager for the USO. "This program provides support to and lifts the spirits of those troops in remote and isolated areas that do not have immediate access to USO centers or morale and welfare recreation facilities."
Since leaving Charleston AFB, the USO in a Box cargo is headed to Afghanistan where it will then be shipped to our deployed service members located at multiple forward operating bases, said Ms. Harrison.
"It's great that we can help support the tradition of USO tours and also, hopefully, increase the morale of deployed personnel," said Master Sgt. Brak Kirk, 437 APS.
According to the USO Web site, the USO delivers its programs and services to 1.4 million active duty service members and 1.2 million National Guard and Reserves as well as their families at more than 130 centers worldwide.
The USO provides a variety of programs and services, including orientation programs, family events, travel assistance, free Internet and e-mail access and recreation services.