USO Supporter,

On the last Sunday in September, we come together to recognize Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day — a day to honor the families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Their families carry immeasurable grief. In the days that follow, a fallen hero’s journey home begins with the dignified transfer of remains. At Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, a military carry team escorts them off the aircraft with every movement marked by respect and precision. For families, this solemn moment is among the hardest they will ever face, often with only hours to prepare for their loved one’s final homecoming.

Thanks to the compassion and generosity of this community, the USO has supported every dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base since March 1991. Through the Families of the Fallen program, the USO helps arrange travel and lodging so families can be at Dover to witness the return of their loved one, while providing around-the-clock support every step of the way.

“People say things like, ‘you knew what you were signing up for.’ Yes, that's true, but we're also still human,” says Sarah, whose husband and high school sweetheart, Paul, was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. “Even though we knew that that was a big possibility, they were our best friends, our sons, our daughters and our parents.”

That's why your support matters today. In a family’s darkest hour, your support can help ensure that we are there — any day, any time — to support those who have lost a service member who gave their life for our country.

Your generous gift of $45 can help cover an hour of USO's work to support and console military families during dignified transfers at Dover Air Force Base.* Please give today to support our brave service members and their families.

With gratitude,

The USO