USO Missouri

08/30/2026

Did you know the USO has Ambassador Volunteers who get out into the community to share more about the USO and connect with potential volunteers?

A big thank you to American Legion Post 646 for welcoming us and for their generous donation to the USO! We truly appreciate your support of our service members and military families. 🇺🇸

If your organization, group, or team has an upcoming meeting and you’d like to learn more about the USO or how you can get involved, send us a message! We’d love to come out and meet you. ❤️💙

08/28/2026

🏆 Congratulations to our amazing partners at the AUSA Fort Leonard Wood – Mid Missouri Chapter on being named Chapter of the Year for the THIRD year in a row! 🎉🇺🇸

The USO is proud to continue working alongside this incredible organization and supporting the Fort Leonard Wood military community together. We are grateful for this partnership and all they do for our service members and their families!

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 👏

The Fort Leonard Wood Mid-Missouri Chapter has captured another AUSA National Award for 2026, adding to what has already been an exceptional year of national recognition.

For the third consecutive year, the Chapter has earned the AUSA NCO and Soldier Programs Top Chapter Award, recognizing its outstanding contributions to Soldiers and the Noncommissioned Officer Corps.
Chapter President John Gideon was notified today that the Chapter had once again been selected for this prestigious recognition.

During the 2026 award period, the FLW Mid-Missouri Chapter conducted 117 events in support of Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families. These events reflect the Chapter's continued commitment to making a meaningful difference throughout Fort Leonard Wood and the surrounding Mid-Missouri communities.

One of the Chapter's most significant initiatives continues to be recognizing Veterans who served during the Vietnam War Era. During a ceremony in Richland, Missouri, the Chapter reached a major milestone by recognizing its 1,500th Vietnam War-Era Veteran since beginning the program in 2021.

The Chapter also conducts a monthly Boots and Brew event in partnership with the Fort Leonard Wood USO. The event gives Soldiers an opportunity to stop by the USO, grab a cup of coffee or juice, and spend time networking and building camaraderie with fellow Soldiers.

Another ongoing initiative is the monthly Women Veterans Coffee held at the Waynesville-St. Robert Senior Center. The gathering provides women Veterans with an opportunity to connect, share experiences, develop friendships, and strengthen the Veteran community.

These are just a few examples of the 117 events conducted by the Chapter during the award period and demonstrate the broad impact its members, volunteers, and Community Partners continue to have throughout the region.

The NCO and Soldier Programs Top Chapter Award is the latest in a series of major AUSA National honors announced for the FLW Mid-Missouri Chapter in 2026. AUSA previously announced that the Chapter has been selected as the 2026 Best Chapter, further recognizing its outstanding programs, community engagement, and support of the Army.

Adding to this remarkable year, former Chapter President and current Fifth Region President CSM (Ret.) Freddie L.T. Brock has been selected as the 2026 Sergeant Major of the Army William G. Bainbridge Medal recipient for his significant contributions to NCOs, Soldiers, and the United States Army.

Together, these honors reflect the dedication of the entire FLW Mid-Missouri Chapter team and its continued commitment to the AUSA mission of supporting Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families.
Three consecutive NCO and Soldier Programs Top Chapter Awards, recognition as the 2026 Best Chapter, and the 2026 Bainbridge Medal recipient make this an extraordinary year for the Fort Leonard Wood Mid-Missouri Chapter and the communities it proudly serves.

Association of the United States Army - AUSA National AUSA Midwest Region - 5th Region U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood USO Missouri Waynesville/St. Robert Senior Center

08/26/2026

Today, on National Dog Day, we’re taking a moment to remember two very special members of our USO family — Maverick and Apache. 🐾❤️

For years, these two USO Canines brought comfort, smiles, and connection to countless service members, families, volunteers, and guests at Fort Leonard Wood. Their presence was felt far beyond the wag of a tail, and the memories they created will stay with our USO family for years to come.

To honor Maverick and Apache, we’ve added a memorial table at the USO Fort Leonard Wood Center where volunteers and guests can share their favorite memories, stories, and moments with them.

We know how much they meant to so many, and we hope this gives everyone a chance to remember, celebrate, and honor their lives.

Forever part of our USO family. 🐾❤️💙 Bandit’s Brigade: The Legacy Continues

08/25/2026

Sometimes the best moments at the USO are the unexpected ones. 🎸

Two guests picked up their guitars and filled the Lambert USO Center with some great music! Whether you’re traveling, taking a break, or just passing through, the USO is a place to relax, connect, and make a few memories along the way.

We love seeing our guests make themselves at home! ❤️💙

08/20/2026

There’s still time to sign up for the Patriot Day Run! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️
Come out, get moving, and be part of a great event honoring Patriot Day! ❤️🤍💙

Sign up today and we’ll see you there!

KofC Patriot Day Run - Shirt Guarantee Deadline in 3 Days and Final Price Increase on September 1 - https://mailchi.mp/e1ddbb14ebc5/2026kofcpatriotdayrun-12852563

08/19/2026

Back to school is officially here! 📚✏️

Fort Leonard Wood families came together for “Unleash Your Potential,” a fun event to kick off the new school year. The kids enjoyed activities, time with friends, and even some special visits from our USO Canines! 🐾

We loved helping our military kids start the school year with a little fun, a lot of excitement, and plenty of USO support. Here’s to a great school year! 💙❤️

08/17/2026

⭐Volunteer Spotlight: Dion Brown⭐

After 21 years of military service, Dion Brown continues his commitment to serving others as a USO volunteer. Having relied on USO centers during his travels as a service member, Dion now enjoys giving back and providing the same welcome and support that meant so much to him and his family.

Dion especially enjoys connecting with young service members beginning their military careers and sharing encouragement and wisdom. He also values the camaraderie he finds with fellow veterans, often swapping stories and reconnecting with old friends.

Dion, thank you for your military service and for continuing that spirit of service through the USO. We are grateful for the time, experience, and heart you bring to our team and the service members and families we support!

Fun Fact: Dion received an Emmy Award in 2019 for a documentary and is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership. Retirement certainly hasn’t slowed him down!

08/14/2026

⚾️ Join us for Gateway Grizzlies Military Appreciation Night on Friday, September 4!

Purchase your tickets through the link below and help support the USO. Once we reach 50 tickets sold, the Gateway Grizzlies will donate $5 from every ticket back to the USO.

🎆 Stay after the game for a post-game fireworks show!

🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://brnw.ch/21x4W1f
Bring your family and friends—we hope to see you at the ballpark!

08/13/2026

Back-to-School at Whiteman AFB! 📚🎒✏️

A great day supporting our military families! Huge thank you to our amazing USO volunteers for showing up and helping make the event a success.

We couldn’t do it without you!

Want to be part of the next one? We’d love to have you volunteer with us! 🙌 https://brnw.ch/21x4UFn

08/05/2026

⚾️ Join us for Gateway Grizzlies Military Appreciation Night on Friday, September 4!

Purchase your tickets through the link below and help support the USO. Once we reach 50 tickets sold, the Gateway Grizzlies will donate $5 from every ticket back to the USO.

🎆 Stay after the game for a post-game fireworks show!

🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://brnw.ch/21x4HIk
Bring your family and friends—we hope to see you at the ballpark!