dipity

The history of the Jacksonville, N.C. USO

Created by JaxDailyNews on Mar 13, 2012

Last updated: 04/10/12 at 03:25 PM

• Dipity Timeline Created
  Mar 13, 2012 3:06 PM

• Fisher as director
  Aug 2010

  Deb Fisher became director of the Jacksonville USO and remains the director today.

• Multiple directors
  2000

  Paul Siverson, Joe Houle, Judy Pitchford serve as directors

• USO re-established
  1987

  USO of North Carolina was established in 1987

• Hardiman as director
  1976 to 2000

  Matthew Hardiman serves as director

• Sheehan as director
  1956 to 1976

  William R. Sheehan was the director

• Newberry Street USO open
  1943 to 1952

  The Newberry Street USO was open to black Marines and sailors and consisted of two shacks joined together with a snackbar. It typically saw 3,000 visitors per month and became so popular a second was opened.

• USO building dedicated
  Apr 19, 1942

  The present building was built by government and dedicated

• USO Opens
  Dec 1941

  The USO opens in the Pine Lodge, a community hall located on the riverfront

• USO formed
  1941

  The USO was formed by the Salvation Army, YMCA, YWCA, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association, National Jewish Welfare Board to help provide off-duty recreation opportunities for U.S. Armed Forces

• USO Established
  Feb 5, 1941

  The USO was established on February 5, 1941, at the presidential request of Franklin D. Roosevelt for civilian support for the military