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Troops at FOB Shank Receive Special Memorial Day Gift

ARLINGTON, Va., May 25, 2009 – Troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shank, Afghanistan, will receive a special delivery on Memorial Day—the first USO in a Box. The USO in a Box program converts the expandable Tactical Operation Centers (TOC) used by the military into unmanned USO centers that can be trucked or heloed into austere operating environments, allowing the USO to continue delivering services and support to a highly mobile military serving in the most remote regions.

“As the American people pause to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety and security of our nation, it is important to also support our troops who make significant sacrifices every day” said Sloan Gibson, USO president. “While we can’t build a USO center everywhere the troops serve, the USO in a Box program allows us to deliver much of the goodness of a fixed center.”

Each unit features Internet access, two Dell ruggedized laptop computers, three 23-inch HD flat screen televisions, three Xbox® 360 video gaming systems and two voice-over-Internet phones. The movie theater area features a 42-inch HD flat screen television with a DVD player and Dolby® surround sound. Each unit also has a self-contained diesel generator and climate control system with heating and air conditioning.

Working with Michigan-based aviation support company AAR, the USO created the first three USO in a Box units for delivery to troops in Afghanistan. Easily setup to be operational in 20 minutes, the mobile nature of the USO in a Box program allows for quick movement from one location to another.

For more information on the USO and its programs, visit www.USO.org.