USO urges support for Phone Home

Dick Benoit

Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2003 | 8:59 a.m.

The United Services Organization (USO) recently announced it is working with Reader's Digest in an effort known as "Operation Desert Smile," which it hopes will bring 5,000 gift bags to troops in Iraq in time for the holidays.

Reader's Digest advertisers have donated more than $500,000 worth of snacks, prepaid calling cards, toiletries, magazines, books and compact discs to support the effort.

"The USO is grateful to Reader's Digest and its advertisers for their generosity," USO President and CEO Edward Powell said. As part of its holiday push to support U.S. service personnel overseas, the USO is urging Americans to support "Operation Phone Home," which makes international calling cards available for service members stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan in time for the holidays.

"Giving these men and women in uniform the opportunity to speak with their loved ones over the holidays will provide an immeasurable boost to their morale," Powell said.

Since April, the USO's "Operation Phone Home" has raised more than $200,000 and delivered nearly 30,000 calling cards to service members.

Donations can be made by visiting the USO website (uso.org) or by calling (800) 876-7469. Callers should specify their gift is for the "USO Operation Phone Home" campaign.

Leave for some reservists

Federal workers who have been serving in the reserve on active duty will get a little extra time off. In a Nov. 14 memorandum, the president directed executive departments and agencies to grant five days of uncharged, administrative leave from civilian duties to federal employees returning from active duty to reservist status.

"The federal government will continue to be the model for employer support to the Guard and reserve," the president wrote. "We are the guarantors of the rights of returning (servicemembers) under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and I am personally committed to providing each of them with our full support, recognition and assistance."

Kay Coles James, director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, issued guidance to department and agency heads on implementing the president's order.

"Many of our employees have endured great disruption to their families and their normal lives as a result of their service in the war against terrorism," James said. "Therefore, I join the president in urging that agencies do everything possible to ease their return to civilian life."

The five work days of excused absence covers employees who were activated for military service in connection with Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Honors in basic training

A Silverado High School graduate has earned the distinction of honor graduate from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Airman Noel White, Silverado class of 1999, completed the six weeks of training in exemplary fashion.

White, the daughter of Lynn and David White and granddaughter of Gwen White, all of Las Vegas, studied the Air Force mission, organization, military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches; and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations.

She also earned credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

In brief