Pennsylvania – Members Make a Difference with Donation to USO

AFSCME members in Pennsylvania helped separated military families through a United Service Organizations (USO) program called United Through Reading, which promotes the reading-aloud experience for military families.

AFSCME Council 13’s Next Wave organization of young members raised more than $5,000 by hosting an event during the council’s annual convention this spring. In addition to the money, members donated 446 books to the USO reading program. As a result, 952 military families will receive a book and video of their deployed parent reading them a bedtime story.

“You can always count on Council 13 members to do all they can for our military,” said Council 13 Exec. Dir. David Fillman, also an AFSCME International vice president. “Our delegation was truly moved to hear about the overwhelming success of the USO’s United Through Reading program, and I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts put forth by our membership to bring deployed troops and their families just a little bit closer.”

Lisa Ferrari Carter of the USO applauded AFSCME members and leaders, saying “On behalf of the military families we serve, thank you.”