Veterans and public invited to USO dance

[November 07, 2012]  A USO dance in Lincoln on Thursday will feature big-band-era entertainment from 6 to 8 p.m. at the American Legion.

Anyone is welcome to attend this special event, sponsored and hosted by the Healthy Communities Partnership and its Senior Issues Task Force. The 14-piece Jim Markum Swing Band is the featured entertainment for the evening. The Logan County Salvation Army is providing doughnuts.

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 and joined to form the United Service Organizations to support the growing U.S. military. These included 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.

Decades later, thousands of USO workers and volunteers coordinate to provide a home away from home for U.S. troops, including bringing celebrities to entertain soldiers on the front line and keeping them connected to their families during deployments.

Seniors and veterans of all ages will receive free admission to the USO dance. Community members are also welcome to attend for $3 per person or $5 per couple.

The Healthy Communities Partnership is a collaborative organization comprised of dozens of community agencies. It is supported in part by the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation. For updates, like Healthy Communities Partnership on Facebook.