Executive Director, Greater Jacksonville Area USO
Mission
To support America’s military personnel and their families with a variety of programs and services. We provide this support from three USO Centers in Duval County.
Serving Jacksonville
Since 1979. We are an independent, chartered organization from USO Inc., headquartered in Washington, D.C. USO stands for United Service Organizations.
Those served
More than 250,000 military personnel and their families, including Florida National Guard members in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. We also serve military commands throughout the state of Florida as our resources permit.
Biggest challenge
Educating the public and corporations that we are an independent nonprofit organization, are not a government agency, receive no federal or state government funding or headquarters funding for day-to-day operations. We must raise our own funds locally through donations from corporations, groups, individual donors and by conducting numerous fundraisers.
Biggest satisfaction
Seeing the smile when we help those we serve and working with a dedicated staff and fabulous volunteers.
Hometown
Steubenville, Ohio
First experience with community service
Overseas during the repainting of a children’s school and cleanup of the playground.
Your job before Greater Jacksonville Area USO
After serving 31 years in the U.S. Navy, I was a contractor and government employee for a short period before joining the Greater Jacksonville Area USO as executive director.
Upcoming events
July: Operation Backpack begins for school children
Sept. 10: St. Cloud/Kissimmee USO benefit motorcycle ride
Oct. 1: Jacksonville Marine Corps Half Marathon/Freedom 5K
Oct 15: Palencia Dancing in the Streets – Military Style. Free family fun event
Contact information
www.jaxuso.org.