USO Ohio

What USO Ohio does

USO Ohio is a regional operating center of USO, Inc., a not-for-profit organization founded in 1941 to support U.S. military service members and their families. Headquartered in Cleveland with operational leadership covering Ohio and Michigan, USO Ohio runs three physical centers in Ohio: the 9,500-square-foot Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Center, the Columbus Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Gahanna, and the Columbus Airport Jake Brewer Lounge at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. From these locations and through field delivery, USO Ohio runs a portfolio of 13 service programs including USO Entertainment, USO Gaming, USO Care Packages, USO Reading Program, USO Transitions, USO Coffee Connections, USO Special Delivery, USO Canine Program, USO Holidays, USO Program In A Box, USO Sports & Fitness, Families of the Fallen, and Unit Support Request. All services are provided free of charge to active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve members, recruits, and military families.

The organization does not operate proprietary technology products; its core capability is in-person, volunteer-driven, and brick-and-mortar service delivery at strategically chosen military touchpoints (installations, MEPS, airports). USO Ohio relies on a multi-channel distribution model combining physical centers, in-field unit support requests, free entertainment ticketing (e.g., Cleveland Guardians games, Columbus concerts), and digital outreach via Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and the ohio.uso.org website. Underlying operations are supported by a small leadership team of three named regional managers and an extensive volunteer base drawn from the broader USO network.

USO Ohio's revenue model is donation-based: it raises funds through individual donations, corporate sponsorships (including defense primes Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, Delta Air Lines, Kroger, Horizon Hobby, and others), and planned giving vehicles such as charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, and IRA beneficiary designations. As a 501(c)(1) nonprofit and a subsidiary chapter of USO, Inc., it is not part of the Department of Defense and operates without fees, equity, or commercial customers; its "customers" in the financial sense are donors and sponsors rather than service recipients.

Name

USO Ohio

Legal name

USO, Inc.

Website

https://ohio.uso.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1941

Operating status

Operating

Short description

USO Ohio is a regional nonprofit center of USO, Inc. that operates three physical centers and 13 free service programs supporting active-duty military, National Guard/Reserve members, recruits, and military families across Ohio.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Military Support Services

akta.pro primary industry

Veterans & Military Family Benefits Administration (BPAIAKAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Veterans Affairs & Military Family Services (BPAIAHAL)

Keywords

• Military family support
• Nonprofit military programs
• Veteran transition services
• Troop welfare programs
• Military community outreach

Headquarters

HQ city

Cleveland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual donations from the public supporting military service members and their families. Donors can contribute financially through the USO website.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Support from corporate sponsors including aerospace companies, airlines, banks, retailers, and logistics companies. Sponsors provide financial and in-kind support.
3. Planned Giving: Planned giving programs including wills and living trusts, non-cash assets, IRA donations, life insurance beneficiary designations, donor-advised funds, appreciated securities, real estate, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, and charitable gift annuities.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

USO Ohio is a regional nonprofit that operates three physical USO Centers in Ohio (Wright-Patterson AFB, Columbus MEPS, and Columbus Airport Jake Brewer Lounge) delivering a portfolio of 13 free service programs to military service members and their families. Programs include entertainment tickets, care packages, gaming, reading recordings, spouse networking, therapy dogs, transition assistance, baby showers, holiday events, fitness programs, and support for families of the fallen.

Product overview

USO Ohio is a not-for-profit organization that operates USO Centers at Columbus Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), John Glenn Columbus Airport (Jake Brewer Lounge), and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The organization delivers a portfolio of 13 distinct service programs designed to strengthen the well-being of America's military service members and their families throughout Ohio. Programs include USO Entertainment (sports/concert tickets), USO Gaming (gaming centers with consoles), USO Reading Program (recorded bedtime stories for deployed parents), USO Care Packages (comfort items for deployed troops), USO Coffee Connections (military spouse networking), USO Transitions (career guidance for veterans), USO Special Delivery (baby showers for military families), USO Canine Program (therapy dog visits), USO Holidays (celebratory holiday events), USO Program In A Box (activity kits for remote locations), Families of the Fallen (support for families of deceased service members), USO Sports & Fitness, and Unit Support Request. These programs are delivered at physical USO Centers and in the field across Ohio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Unit Support Request Formal program allowing military units to request USO support for their service members and families, including care packages, entertainment events, and field programs.
• USO Entertainment Provides free tickets to professional sports games, concerts, and live entertainment events for military members and their families throughout Ohio.
• USO Canine Program Brings trained therapy dogs to USO events and centers to provide comfort and companionship to service members and their families.
• USO Coffee Connections Brings military spouses together to build relationships, share advice, and learn about local events and USO activities, including virtual sessions for National Guard and Reserve spouses.
• USO Care Packages Delivers essential comfort items such as snacks, hygiene products, and personal care supplies to service members during deployments, training, and other key moments of their military journey.
• USO Gaming Provides dedicated gaming spaces with consoles, PCs, and comfortable setups at USO Centers, plus interactive events like family game nights, bingo, trivia, and gaming tournaments.
• USO Holidays Brings festive and celebratory programming to service members and their families throughout the year on special holidays, providing a welcome break from military routine.
• USO Program In A Box Themed activity boxes delivered to service members in remote and challenging environments where the USO does not have brick-and-mortar centers, rotating several times a year.
• USO Special Delivery Celebrates service members and spouses who are expanding their families with baby showers including games, guest speakers, and gift drawings; also offers virtual video-call baby showers for distant military communities.
• USO Reading Program Enables service members to record themselves reading bedtime stories to their children, with recordings and books sent home to help children cope with long-term separation due to deployment.
• USO Transitions Guides service members and spouses through their transition from military to civilian life, pairing participants with USO Transition Specialists who develop personalized action plans focusing on employment, education, financial wellness, and mentorship.
• Families of the Fallen Supports and assists service members and families of the fallen with travel, dignified transfer, and additional services, including private waiting areas at USO Airport Centers with light meals.
• USO Sports & Fitness Offers opportunities for the military community to stay active through group workouts, recreational leagues, and special fitness events, promoting physical wellness while building friendships and morale.

Quantifiable outcome

• In 2024, the USO reached people in 134 countries and on all seven continents
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Dayton AerospaceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting USO Ohio operations. Dayton Aerospace is a Dayton-area company supporting military community initiatives.
• Delta Air LinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor corporate sponsor providing support to USO. Delta operates flights and serves military travelers through USO airport centers.
• Horizon HobbyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor since 1985, leader in radio control products and accessories. Headquartered in Champaign, Illinois with global operations.
• KrogercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLong and generous supporter of the USO. Major retailer with Ohio presence providing food and retail support for USO programs.
• Lockheed MartincoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor defense contractor and corporate sponsor supporting USO Ohio. Provides significant financial and in-kind support.
• Northrop GrummancoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor defense contractor and corporate sponsor supporting USO Ohio operations and programs.
• PepsiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing beverage and refreshment support for USO Ohio events and centers.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Operation Homefront: National nonprofit providing critical financial assistance, housing, and recurring family support to military families. Comparable as a donor-funded nonprofit delivering direct services to active-duty and veteran families.
• Gary Sinise Foundation: Provides programs for wounded veterans, first responders, and military families including entertainment, family support, and transition programs. Comparable nonprofit model with strong corporate sponsor base and entertainment-focused programs.
• Blue Star Families: Nonprofit supporting military families through research, programs, and community building. Comparable in mission to address family transitions, spouse support (e.g., Coffee Connections equivalent), and community connection.
• Wounded Warrior Project: Major nonprofit providing programs and services to wounded veterans and their families. Comparable in mission focus on military families, donor-driven nonprofit model, and broad program portfolio.
• Semper Fi & America's Fund: Provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to wounded, critically ill, and injured service members and families. Comparable donor-funded nonprofit serving active-duty community with case-management style programs.
• Fisher House Foundation: Provides free lodging and support to military and veteran families receiving medical care. Directly comparable as a nonprofit serving military families at installations and medical facilities with physical infrastructure.
• USO (USO, Inc.): USO Ohio is a regional center of USO, Inc., the parent nonprofit. Directly comparable as the umbrella organization operating USO Centers globally with the same mission of serving military service members and families.

Broad incumbents

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Major congressionally chartered veterans service organization with posts nationwide delivering support to veterans and families. Comparable in mission and grassroots chapter-based operating model.
• American Legion: Long-established veterans service organization providing support, advocacy, and programs to veterans and military families. Comparable broader incumbent with overlapping mission and long history.
• American Red Cross (Service to the Armed Forces): Operates a Service to the Armed Forces program that delivers emergency communications, comfort items, and support to military members and families. Comparable broader nonprofit with overlapping military support mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/USOOhio
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/USO4troops
• Facebookfacebook.com/USOOhio
• Instagraminstagram.com/usoohio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about USO Ohio