USO Northwest Capital Campaign -- Programs

Bereavement Camps

Working with Camp Erin, founded by the Moyer Foundation and TAPPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), the USONW aims to help military children, teens and adults who have lost a loved one. Contact Don Leingang at [email protected] with inquiries.

Care Packages

Service members who deploy through our USONW Shali Center are given a care package containing necessary travel items such as toiletries, snacks and reading materials. Orders can be placed for deployments not going through the Shali Center, contact Andrew Oczkewicz at [email protected].

Concerts

USONW aims to provide service members with as much entertainment as possible. In 2011 Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band played two free concerts for service members and the public. Contact Tracy Mann at [email protected] for future concert dates.

Families of the Fallen & Dignified Transfers

USONW is there to offer any assistance to the travelling families of our fallen heroes. Staff are specially trained and work with airlines to make things as easy as possible. Contact Bill Baker at [email protected] with inquiries.

Food and Toy Drive

During the Holiday Season USONW hosts it annual Holiday Food and Toy Drive. Collection areas can be found at Wal-Mart's in the Puget Sound as well as the Microsoft Store at University Village. Contact Tracy Mann at [email protected] for further inquiries.

Helping Hands Grant

The USONW's Helping Hands Grant provides cash awards for recreation and events for all military commands. The USONW has assisted with numerous "Welcome Home" and "Deployment" events, command functions and other camaraderie building events. Where traditional funding sources are not available, or insufficient to meet the programs' needs, the USONW offers the Helping Hands Grant. Contact Shannon McManus at [email protected].

Heroes Suite

At Cheney Stadium, the Heroes Suite is available to active-duty military members and their families. The suite is catered, holds up to 30 people and is available for all Tacoma Rainiers' home games. For information contact Shannon McManus at [email protected].

Hometown Hospitality

Each month three recently returned service members and their significant other enjoy a free night stay and breakfast at a Benchmark Hospitality International luxury hotel in Washington state. Contact Meaghan Cox at [email protected] for more information.

Military Family Care Packages

Packages include a framed personal message from the military member to their family. This program is offered at all large deployments through Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Contact Andrew Oczkewicz at [email protected] with further inquiries.

Race for a Soldier

In the fall USONW sponsors this half marathon to bring awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress. The race is held in Gig Harbor. USONW volunteers congratulate runners at the finish line. Contact Samantha Lingad at [email protected] with further inquiries.

Sesame Street

Sesame Street entertains military children and families with a show at our local military bases. A new character, Molly, helps share deployment stories. The shows are always free to military members and their families. Contact Tracy Mann at [email protected] with inquiries.

United Through Reading

Military members choose a book to read aloud and then are recorded on DVD. The DVD and book are mailed to the family at home. This program is offered at all USONW Centers. Contact any of the Center Managers: Andrew, Bill, and Samantha.

With You All the Way Kits

To help address the stresses of military life, the kit is designed for children who have a family member deployed. Inside the kit: postcards, secret journal, keepsake dog-tags, stuffed animal named cuzzie, etc. To order, contact Center Managers Bill or Andrew.

Wounded Warriors

USONW sets aside money to fund events for Wounded Warriors three to five times a month. Some examples of events: river rafting, Seattle Underground Tour, sports games. Contact Shannon McManus at [email protected] with further inquiries.