Press Release, United Service Organizations of North Carolina
The United Service Organizations of North Carolina is offering a holiday gift to our wounded warriors – a free ride home for Christmas. The USO of North Carolina has allocated $25,000 from the USO Operation Enduring Care for any II Marine Expeditionary Force wounded warrior to request assistance in getting home for the holidays to visit their families and or friends. The warrior need not be visiting their home of record.
All the warrior has to do is fill out an application, get command verification of wounded status, provide the proof of transportation home (i.e. plane/bus ticket) and a command-approved leave/special liberty request. If the warrior plans on driving home, they should estimate gas/lodging costs.
To accommodate as many requests for this program as possible, the following criteria is established:
• This program is for the active-duty service member only.
• The maximum gift amount that will be given to each warrior is $500.
• Gifts will only be granted for the amount provided in the proof of transportation. Requests to provide fuel and lodging will be determined utilizing Department of Defense travel regulations and MapQuest. Lodging will only be granted to those traveling by automobile.
• All ranks are eligible.
• Wounds must have been sustained while serving in support of the Global War on Terrorism (i.e. Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, etc…)
The gifts will be awarded on a first-come, first- served basis and will be given on the decision of the USO of NC and their representatives until funds are depleted or after Dec. 31, whichever comes first.
All recipients must agree to release their names and pictures to the USO of N.C., for promotional purposes, should the USO choose to publicly acknowledge this program.
Questions can be directed to Judy Pitchford at 346-3155.