America Supports You: Blockbuster, USO Join Forces for Troops


By Sharon Foster
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2008 - Movies and games have always been popular
among deployed troops, providing a break from the intense daily
realities of their duties and a way to fill downtime while away from
their loved ones.

With that in mind, Blockbuster stores nationwide, in partnership with
United Service Organizations, are making it easy for Americans to donate
video games and DVDs to deployed forces.

"The DVD and game drive is a way for Blockbuster stores and the American
public to make life a little better for U.S. servicemen and women when
they're so far away from home," Larcine Bland, Blockbuster's vice
president for community affairs, said.

Customers simply purchase new or previously viewed DVDs and games at
participating Blockbuster stores, then drop them into convenient USO
drop boxes. For security reasons, Bland emphasized, the USO can accept
only DVDs and games originating from participating Blockbuster stores in
this program.

The entertainment retailer will match donations made at its stores - up
to 20,000 DVDs - and work with the USO to distribute them to troops
stationed across the world.

"We are excited to work with Blockbuster to continue to boost the morale
of our men and women in uniform and their families around the world,"
said Edward A. Powell, USO president and chief executive officer.

Over the last 10 years, Blockbuster has regularly provided entertainment
for military personnel by donating movies, games and home entertainment
equipment to the USO.

To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are
helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the
America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to
find meaningful ways to support the military community.

Related Sites:
America Supports You <http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/>