Sally Ann Zoll, ED.D and C.E.O. of United Through Reading attended the recent World Leadership Conference of  USO in D. C. She shares an update of the event and insight to our partnership with them.

Did you know that the USO has been helping American troops and their families for over 70 years? And did you know they provided 2.4 million free telephone calls (that’s 20 million minutes) to our deployed troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait?

And a really important “did you know”… Did you know that that the USO hosts our United Through Reading Military Program at more than 70 locations around the world? In 2010, troops made more than 70,000 United Through Reading recordings at USO host sites! And did you know that in the 2010 TARP (customer service research firm) Survey of over 7,000 active duty, family members, and volunteers, United Through Reading’s Military Program was rated the most valuable service at USO locations by 89% of service members and their families who participated in our program? Did you know that service members who participated in United Through Reading’s Military Program at USO locations were satisfied 81% of the time with their experience which is the most highly rated program or service among USO offerings?

Because we work so closely with the USO, I knew the amazing things that they do. But I learned so much more at the USO Leadership Conference held in Washington DC at the end of March. My colleagues, Kara Dallman and Cathy Jackman joined me at the conference where we renewed old acquaintances from around the world and made new friends. These are men and women who are putting their personal lives on hold to go and support our Troops by working at a USO in Iraq, or Sasebo, Japan, or FOB Shindand in Iraq. They are lifting the spirits of Troops and their families in a myriad of ways, including making it possible for deployed moms and dads to read a children’s book while being recorded onto a DVD.

So while United Through Reading works with hundreds of commands worldwide; while we support Navy ships, Coast Guard deployments,  Marines, Soldiers, and National Guardsmen; while we provide pre-deployment recording operations for submariners and Special Forces; while we do ALL of that – the USO helps us reach even more Troops through their 70 centers hosting the United Through Reading’s Military Program.

So on behalf of all of us at United Through Reading, a big shout out to our USO friends and all of our partners for doing their share to help us bring mommy or daddy home for the night with a cherished storybook!