This exhibit is made possible through the gracious support of Hope Enterprises, Inc., the American Airpower Heritage Museum and the support of several very appreciated companies and individuals.

In 1939, World War II broke out in Europe. The boots of Hitler's Third Reich marched across Europe, spreading a sense of fear and dread. The United States government saw the need to be war-ready, so in 1940, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt created the first peacetime draft in America with the Selective Training and Service Act. By the summer of 1941, just months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, America 's Armed Forces rose from 175,000 soldiers to over 1.4 million men.

Small towns were suddenly flooded with soldiers who were based nearby. They were not prepared for this overwhelming influx of strangers. In response, President Roosevelt called on six private organizations to manage the on-leave recreation needs for the members of the United States Armed Forces. These six organizations, the YMCA, YWCA, National Catholic Community Service, National Jewish Welfare Board, Traveler's Aid Association, and Salvation Army, organized to form the USO, the United Service Organizations on February 4, 1941.

The USO was the main channel through which the American public could contribute to the war effort. USO clubs were opened in more than 3,000 communities across the country. The two most famous USO clubs were New York's Stage Door Canteen and the Hollywood Canteen in Los Angeles, where famous film stars entertained soldiers. The USO provided a cup of coffee at a train station, a home-cooked meal, a friendly face to a weary soldier, a dance with a local girl, and a place that they could call, “home away from home.”

In October of 1941, the USO established Camp Shows, Inc. where famous celebrities waived the fees to bring entertainment to the troops at bases in the United States. With the United States' entry into World War II, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, USO “Camp Shows” went overseas. The shows brought laughter and hope for many soldiers, a welcome relief from the everyday grind and terror of warfare.

Today, the USO continues to bring smiles, laughter, and entertainment to the many who have been separated from their love ones for long periods to time. Stars such as David Letterman, Robin Williams, Drew Cary, Wayne Newton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gary Sinise, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and many others made visits and continue to make tours to the troops overseas.

The American Airpower Heritage Museum is proud to present the exhibit, USO:Hope for America. It is an opportunity to remind Americans of the efforts and contributions of the USO as it continues to support America 's troops in both peace and war, and serve a constant companion bring “home away from home.”