USO Arizona receives $50K grant from Thunderbirds Charities

PHOENIX, Arizona – USO Arizona, the nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening America’s military by annually keeping millions of service members and their families connected to family, home and country, are the recipients of a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The grant was awarded in support of operations and program delivery that help military service members and families who are serving, training, and traveling through the Greater Phoenix area.

“The USO Arizona team is beyond appreciative and thankful to Thunderbirds Charities for their generous support of the service men and women who call Arizona home and travel through our centers,” said USO Arizona Executive Director Carla Garcia. “More than 160,000 service members and families benefit from USO Arizona programs annually. With this grant, the USO Arizona team will be able to continue providing morale-boosting programs and services to these brave men, women and their families.”

The grant funds will go towards helping USO Centers at Phoenix MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, as well as outreach programs and events in the Greater Phoenix area, along with Arizona National Guard and Luke Air Force Base.

With centers in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and downtown Phoenix, and a team of over 250 volunteers and a professional staff, USO Arizona implements valuable programs and services across the state, such as nutrition and wellness programs, kids camps, deployed family support and more. In 2020, USO Arizona impacted more than 156,000 service members and families, customizing its services to each population and the needs of the diverse military bases throughout the state.

Since 1941, the USO has supported the men and women who fight for our country. The USO goes where our service members go, no matter the location. USO Arizona invites the local community to join the campaign to Give More Than Thanks to help our service members stationed in Arizona by providing essential resources and keeping them connected to family, home, and country.

For more information about USO Arizona and how to get involved, visit arizona.uso.org.

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About the USO: The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort and support. The USO is a private nonprofit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners, and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. To join us in this important mission and learn more about the USO, please visit USO.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Thunderbirds Charities: Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament. The Thunderbirds Charities Board consists of 15 board members from varying professional backgrounds. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The organization’s giving is directed toward organizations based or with a significant presence in Arizona. The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 280 “life” members. For more information on The Thunderbirds or Thunderbirds Charities, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.