USO Oklahoma receives generous donation from Purple Heart veterans

FORT SILL, Oklahoma (Dec. 10, 2020) -- USO Oklahoma received a significant donation Dec. 2 when the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Mount Scott Chapter 602 adjutant Bruce Dwyer presented Jennifer Kirby, executive director of the Fort Sill USO, with a $1,500 check.

Kirby said the donation arrived at the right time as the Fort Sill USO is doing everything it can to support Soldiers and boost their spirits during this unprecedented time.

“The USO’s mission on Fort Sill is to strengthen the military by keeping them connected to family, home, and country,” said Kirby. The USO center provides programs that connect families together, morale-booster activities, and events for all Soldiers across the installation.

The USO staff believes that providing these events and programs will boost spirits and resiliency maintaining a connection of support and care that service members can rely on.

Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, the USO on Fort Sill has overcome obstacles to continue to provide services to the Fort Sill and extended military community in Oklahoma while ensuring a safe environment, Kirby explained.

The staff has made events virtual such as cooking demonstrations and weekly storytelling, along with drive-through programs. They continue to hold activities at the center with a maximum of 50 individuals at any given time.

The USO will be supporting the holiday block leave exodus by connecting trainees and Soldiers who will remain on Fort Sill with entertainment events and services.

The USO is a nonprofit organization and relies heavily on the patriotic generosity of individuals and local businesses to keep the USO’s programs working on Fort Sill, Kirby said.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart donated to the USO as a way to give back to the local community.

The MOPH is an organization of veterans made up of service members who were awarded the Purple Heart. The MOPH’s mission continues to be to serve and provide services to all veterans and their families.

Kirby said that the recent donation from the MOPH was especially heartfelt as it was from veterans.

This symbolic gesture is just one way that veterans continue to serve and give back to their community, country, and each other.

The adjutant of the Mount Scott Chapter 602, MOPH, Bruce Dwyer said, “The importance of showing gratitude for all that was given to us, and giving back to our local community and nation as a whole is important.”

Despite the recent challenges that are facing the nation, the USO on Fort Sill continues to work through these adversities to support those serving their country.

For more information on how to support the USO check out the website: https://oklahoma.uso.org/ or you can come into the USO Center on Fort Sill. It’s next to the Sheridan Road theater.