At the USO, we’re with all U.S. service members and their families. With more than 10.4 million connections made with members of the military community with 250-plus centers worldwide and delivering services in more than 140 countries last year, the USO boosts morale throughout their military journey.
Now, the USO is getting some help from an alliance of accountants. Peter J. Scalise, a tax partner and the federal tax credits and incentives practice leader at Sax CPAs, serves on the USO’s Northeast regional advisory board. Scalise and Philip J. Whitman, CEO of Whitman Transition Advisors, recently launched the Accountants Salute the Troops campaign to bring the accounting profession together to increase awareness of the USO’s mission and raise much-needed funding to support the men and women of our military.
Since 1941, the USO has been the leading nonprofit to support U.S. military service members and their families. It takes an organization with global reach to keep up with the military, so we go where they go. The USO delivers support to service members and their families stationed stateside and abroad, training in isolated locations, on arduous missions and those deployed to areas across the globe.
Our programs and connections are critical for service members’ wellbeing. Care packages, USO centers, gaming, military family programming, global entertainment and more make an immediate impact on their daily lives, no matter where the mission takes them.
The USO has tailored comprehensive programs to address service members’ unique needs holistically, including providing them with resources to manage their finances effectively.
Last month, the USO was honored to receive the America Saves 2023 Military Saves Champion Award for making the greatest financial impact on our community. The USO was one of only nine organizations selected from 500 to receive this distinction in recognition of our efforts to promote saving strategies for military families.
With the help of corporate partnerships, we also provide live and on-demand financial readiness Military Virtual Programming (or MVP) for current military members and spouses, and those transitioning into civilian life. Workshops cover a variety of topics such as homeownership, career advice, educational opportunities, VA benefits and more to aid those navigating military life.
Because 200,000 service members transition into civilian communities each year, we created the USO Transition Program in 2015 so they are better prepared for future long-term success. By empowering troops with financial literacy and planning skills during their transition out of the military, the USO helps them take action toward improving their financial stability as veterans.
From the day troops walk through the doors of a military entry processing site until they transition back out, the USO is there. Throughout each step of their journey, service members know we will always be by their side. You can be, too.
There are many ways to get involved in the Accountants Salute the Troops campaign. First, learn more about what we do. Join us for a virtual Open House on August 15 or August 16 to hear more about the USO and how to support our troops. Second, send a message of thanks to service members. Third, consider making a donation at uso.org/salutethetroops and ask others to do the same.
The Accountants Salute the Troops campaign has a goal of raising $250,000 in 2023. Within your own circle of influence, you can:
- Encourage your accounting firm to get involved. Many organizations are enthusiastic about engaging in corporate social responsibility. Supporting the USO can be a meaningful way for them to express their gratitude to our brave men and women in uniform.
- Guide your firm in setting up employee donation matching programs and promoting workplace giving. Assist with planned giving and estate gifts. Accountants are armed with the financial expertise needed to help individuals and businesses navigate charitable giving and maximize tax benefits.
- Organize corporate fundraising events. Many troops and their families will be far away from loved ones on Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season. You and your colleagues can show them that they are not alone.
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to sustain our work. The USO is consistently recognized for high standards of financial responsibility, ensuring that funds are put to the best possible use. The USO meets all 20 Better Business Bureau Standards for Charity Accountability and is a platinum-level GuideStar Exchange participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency.
The USO is grateful to have the support of Peter J. Scalise and Philip J. Whitman to spearhead the Accountants Salute the Troops campaign. As a USO volunteer and advisory board member, Peter is a true ambassador for the organization who encourages members of the accounting profession to come together to support our mission. Phil truly values the dedication and sacrifices made by our service members and he champions the USO’s efforts through his deep relationships with CPA firms nationwide.
We encourage you to join the mission. If interested in exploring how to participate, please contact Peter Scalise at pscalise@saxllp.com or the USO’s Northeast Regional President Rebecca Parkes at rparkes@uso.org.
Uniting together, accountants across the country can amplify the impact of individual contributions and create a ripple effect to support service members and their families. Through the Accountants Salute the Troops campaign, you are making it possible for the USO to serve the people who serve.
Credit: Source link
