On January 11, 2013 the USO Northwest, Alaska Airlines and the Port of Seattle held a surprise welcome home celebration for SPC Chris Anderson. He was injured June 12, 2012 after stepping on an IED during a routine patrol in Afghanistan. He lost his leg, below the knee, and his right leg was severely injured. Chris spent months away from family and the brother he served with to recuperate at Walter Reed Hospital. The USO Northwest was able to coordinate first class seating with Alaska Airlines, a greeting at the Gate, and another greeting after security with numerous USONW Volunteers. But the best part of the USO Magic was when Chris saw 33 soldiers from his platoon at the reception.
The United Through Reading program provides deploying military members an opportunity to read a favorite children's book aloud while they are recorded on DVD. The DVD and book are then mailed to the family at home once the deployment is underway. This program is offered at all USONW Centers and through the Mobile Canteen. Here is an example of the power of this program.
http://www.usonw.org/