A dedication to creating connections, communities, and networks of support is the foundation on which the United Service Organizations (USO) serves nearly half a million military service members and their families in the Midwest, annually.

With a mission to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country, throughout their service to the nation, the USO’s programs and services are designed to alleviate the stresses of everyday life for service members and their families.

Wintrust is a proud supporter of the USO and its efforts to give back to our active duty, Guard, and Reserve military service members and their families for the immense sacrifices they make on behalf of their communities and nation.

“Military life has fundamentally changed in the last two decades, bringing urgency to our mission,” said Regional President of USO of the Midwest Alison Ruble. “When it comes to partnerships, Wintrust has been a true leader by remaining flexible and assisting us in the development of new and essential programs for service members and their families, prior to, but especially during, the pandemic. Without Wintrust’s support, we would not be able to provide the high-caliber programs that have become essential to the lives of local military throughout the Midwest.”

The USO’s impact on service members and their families across the 10-state USO Midwest Region (IL, IA, IN, WI, MN, SD, ND, OH, NE, MI), is stronger than ever. Their staff and thousands of dedicated volunteers serve military members and their families, via 33 center facilities, in-person and virtual programming, mobile programs, and transition services.

Wintrust is committed to hiring veterans and helping military members uncover what’s next. Since our partnership began, Wintrust has championed many of the USO’s key initiatives to help military service members and their families remain connected to their communities and one another, including:

• Military Unit Family Days, twice-per-year gatherings designed to strengthen the bonds between and within a military unit’s families as they support one another during military deployment.

• USO Food Programs, such as No-Dough Dinners, an event at the USO Great Lakes Center on Naval Station Great Lakes where as many as 900 service members and their families gather for a community meal at no cost to them, weekly. And USO Frank ’n Fridays, a year-round program that provides communities with the opportunity to show support by hosting monthly lunches for service members and their families.

• USO Military Spouse Programs, a series of events that empower military spouses in the Midwest by connecting them to social, professional, and community networks through fun, interactive social gatherings.

• Small Business Development Center, which offers no-cost advising to the military community and is dedicated to helping new entrepreneurs realize their dream of business ownership.

• USO Tickets for Troops, a seminal USO program offering free tickets to cultural, musical, theatrical, and sporting events to encourage connection to home and country.

• USO Care Packages, recreational kits filled with sports equipment, crafts, games, and prizes to boost morale and create opportunities for family fun.

• USO Salute Gala Celebration, an event honoring service members and families of the U.S. Armed Forces and a fundraiser to support the USO programs and services.

Here are two meaningful ways people and companies can support the USO: make a monetary donation directly to the USO or become a volunteer. The USO relies on supporters to fund programs that improve the daily lives of those who serve. Gifts help fund everything from care packages to amenities provided at USO centers and innovative family programs for spouses and children of service members.

Volunteers are the heart of the USO, with over 30,000 volunteers who support local military service members and their families in their communities. Volunteers to the USO have a unique opportunity to assist in delivering programs and services to America’s service members. It also allows them to connect with the military community and ensure they have the resources they need.

“When military families know they have support, this leads to better opportunities, increased confidence, and strong and resilient families,” said Wintrust Founder & CEO Ed Wehmer. “This critical support helps military members and their families secure employment, contribute to their local economies, and build better lives.”

If you would like more information about how you can support military families through the USO, please visit: illinois.uso.org