KRUSING AMERICA: Bob Hope

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Throwback Thursday: Bob Hope's USO - "Thanks for the Memory" and Wounded Warrior Project

In keeping with Memorial Week and military theme in this weeks KRUSING AMERICA blog – I have to point out some of the many contributions ONE person can make in their life time.

My earliest memories growing up as an Army Brat overseas are of USO shows with Bob Hope. I remember Mr. Hope visiting our Army base in Germany just to entertain the soldiers and their families. Mr. Hope even brought the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders one year. As you can imagine - that was a real moral booster for the troops. He use to talk about this little town where he lived in California called Toluca Lake. Nearly 30 years later I now live in Toluca Lake and in fact, I live just down the street from The Hopes.

Bob Hope was celebrated for his long career performing United Service Organizations (USO) shows to entertain active service American military personnel—he made 57 tours for the USO between 1941 and 1991—Hope was declared an honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces in 1997 by act of the U.S. Congress.

Bob and his wife of 69-years, Dolores have since passed away but his contribution to the US Solider will always be remembered.

Bob Hope died on July 27, 2003 two months after his 100th birthday in his home in Toluca Lake. Dolores lived to be 102.

With a career spanning nearly 80 years, Mr. Hope appeared in over 70 films and hosted the Academy Awards 18 times (more than any other host).

Born Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope, (May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003), was an English-born American comedian, vaudevillian, actor, singer, dancer, athlete, and author.

The song "Thanks For the Memory" is widely regarded as Hope's signature tune.

After his death, newspaper cartoonists worldwide paid tribute to his work for the USO or featured Bing Crosby (who died in 1977) welcoming Hope into heaven.

For more on Bob Hope's life visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Hope

BOB & DOLORES HOPE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

Founded in 1962 for the charitable purposes of religious, educational, charitable, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competitions and the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.

Bob Hope always supported the troops including raising millions of dollars for military home front groups that provide vital services and programs for military men and women and their families.

As well as The Wounded Warrior Project. WWP is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. It serves to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

For more information, please visit

www.woundedwarriorproject.org

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Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Travel Tuesday: USO – Until Every One Comes Home!

On this Memorial Day I wanted to spend more than just a 'day or a weekend' on THIS topic… So I've decided to use the entire week of KRUSING AMERICA blog posts to highlight the US Armed Forces and other organization that are especially designed to help all that serve.

As an Army Brat most of my formative years, being born, raised and growing up outside the US for the first 16 years of my life - I became very familiar with the USO and all that they did for my Dad and family for the 25+ years my Dad served in the Army. Then later for my brother and the family of KRUSING AMERICA. And of course for all the other troops and families to this day. For 70 years the USO provides a tangible way for all of us to say, "Thank you!" Highlighting the best of the best in this KRUSING AMERICA blog – this is one of the way I can say "Thank you" back!

If you're not familiar with the US - please read on.

As a nonprofit, non-political organization, the USO is now, and always will be, about our troops. Wherever and whenever they go, the USO will be there, until every one comes home.

UNITED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (USO)

The USO provides morale, welfare and recreation-type serves to US uniformed military personnel.

Supporting America’s troops was the first mission of the USO. In 1941, as it became clear that the nation was heading into World War II, several organizations mobilized to support the growing US military:

These organization consisted of the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt created synergy among these agencies by forming the United Service Organizations, with the objective of providing the emotional support the troops needed.

Over time, the USO has evolved, developing new programs and services to meet the ever-changing needs of the troops and their families, while holding fast to the original mission.

Today, the USO continues to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families, and will continue to be there for them until every one comes home.

For 70 years the USO provides a tangible way for all of us to say, "Thank you!"

ABOUT THE USO:

Throughout this country's history, Americans have felt a profound appreciate and gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice of our troops and their families.

Thanks to your generosity, the USO fulfills its mission of lifting the spirits of America’s troops and their families. Through the USO, you touch their lives through an extensive range of programs at more than 160 locations in 27 states and 14 countries, and at hundreds of entertainment events each year. Thousands of USO volunteers do everything possible to provide a home away from home for our troops and to keep them connected to the families they left behind.

The USO makes sure your help goes to those who need it the most: troops serving in combat, their families, our wounded warriors and their families, and families of the fallen.

As a nonprofit, non-political organization, the USO is now, and always will be, about our troops.

Wherever and whenever they go, the USO will be there, until every one comes home.

For more information visit:

http://www.uso.org

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