Our current mural, running from early October through Veterans Day in November, features the United Service Organizations (USO). The beautiful artwork draws inspiration from the USO’s longstanding mission: to strengthen all military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country throughout their service to the nation, no matter where they may be located.

Every day, the USO delivers a variety of opportunities to service members and their families to ensure this connection is strong and maintained. From recreational and educational programs, care packages and USO Centers, to programs for service members transitioning from the military, there are many ways the USO supports our military community. 

The mural reflects how the USO engages service members and their families and connects them to their local communities calling particular attention to the community in Chicago. The far-off destinations shown in the background are connected to the family reuniting at home with one of Chicago’s iconic steel bridges — symbolic of how the USO can help service members maintain a strong connection to home wherever they are.

This is playing out in real time for thousands of U.S. troops deployed throughout Eastern Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As the conflict continues and tensions throughout the region rise, deployed American troops can always turn to the USO for support in countries such as Germany, Poland, and Romania. 

Wintrust is proud to continue its support of the USO’s mission, building upon the years of our long-term partnership in Illinois and Wisconsin. Wintrust has participated in USO supported Military Unit Family Day events and employee engagement activities, such as USO care packing events for our troops returning from deployment, as well as volunteering at USO Centers in the region.

Thanks to the support of donors, the USO will continue to keep America’s service members and their families strong by demonstrating the nation’s gratitude through critical programs and services. As these heroes continue to deploy in defense of the freedom and values we share with our allies and partners, America goes with them under the banner of the USO to make sure they never feel forgotten. 

To learn more about the USO and how you can support their mission, please visit illinois.uso.org.