Dear Source,
The Board of Directors of the St. Thomas Chapter of the USO would like to thank all of the volunteers who came out to support our visiting military personnel from the USS George Washington. The outpouring of support by our community was fantastic. The USO provided more than 1,200 dinners to our visitors. We quenched their thirst and provided morale, welfare and recreation type services. Without your support, this could not have been done. Our volunteers are the best!! To all those who baked cookies, brownies, pies and cakes, know that they were thoroughly enjoyed by all our visitors.
We would like to extend as special thank you to Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, and members of his staff: James O'Bryan, Public Affairs section; Joseph Hull, Special Assistant to the Administrator; Jureen Turnbull, V.I. Tourism Dept.; and the Public Works Dept. We appreciate the support from the Corrections Dept. and for the extra efforts by Virgin Island's finest, our very own police department.
The USO thanks the St. Thomas Humane Society, who always provides puppies for the visiting sailors to spend time with. USS George Washington's crewmember MM3 Chris Miller said, "It lifted you up, lifting up those pups. It made you miss home, but it was nice."
Together, our entire community welcomed America's sons and daughters to our shores. We made them feel at home and safe. They left us with a feeling of belonging. Of the men and women who visited us, 2,800 were on their first shore leave ever. Wherever they go in the world, St. Thomas will always be their first.
Thank you also goes out to Hal Hatfield and the Daily News. Because of your support in reporting the news of our needs to the community, we were able to provide a "Touch of Home" for our uniformed military visitors.
So many business and individuals have been generous with their donations to the USO. Under separate cover, the USO will attempt to thank everyone for his or her generosity. Please know that all donations were used to benefit our visiting military personnel, and any leftover food has been shared between local churches and soup kitchens.
Thank you for your support.
Frank D. Farmer, Director
For The Board of Directors
USO St. Thomas
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