HAMPTON ROADS, Va., March 23, 2011 – Wellness for Warriors programs, airport and military welcome centers, and entertainment events run by the United Service Organizations (USO) of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia will be among USO programs that receive a financial boost of $150,000 from GEICO. The GEICO Philanthropic Foundation has committed $50,000 in 2011, 2012, and 2013 to support multiple USOHRCV programs as well as add improvements to USOHRCV centers across the state.
“The USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia is the premier support organization of the United States military and their families in our region,” said Joe Thomas, GEICO regional vice president. “The sponsorship gives us a unique opportunity to build stronger ties with the USO as well as support the military communities that serve our country and protect our freedom each day.”
Thomas will present the check to Bruce LaLonde, President and Chief Executive Officer of the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia during a joint press conference at the Norfolk International Airport USO Center on Tuesday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m., in Norfolk, Va., to kick off the sponsorship.
“GEICO understands the sacrifices of today’s warriors,” said LaLonde. “This contribution will go a long way toward supporting our mission of improving the quality of life for the nearly 350,000 troops, reservists, retirees and family members that we serve in the state.”
The USO of Hampton Roads serves the largest concentration of military personnel in the country. More than 100,000 permanent active duty, National Guard and reserves along with a rotation of 100,000 students on temporary duty status are stationed on military bases throughout the state. In addition, there are more than 750,000 individual military and family sign-ins at USO centers at civilian and military airports in Richmond, Norfolk, Fort Eustis, Langley Air Force Base and the Norfolk Naval Station.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 11 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
GEICO's online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.
The USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia is a non-governmental, non-profit 501c (3) organization that depends on corporate and individual support to fund its programs and services. The USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia receives no direct financial funding from the Department of Defense. While it is affiliated with World USO, it receives no funding from world headquarters. In order to maintain its centers and provide programs, the USO maintains a strong sponsor relationship with local business and civic organizations and relies heavily on individual contributions and volunteers from very supportive local communities.
