America Supports You: Blockbuster, USO Join Forces for Troops

By Sharon Foster
Special to American Forces Press Service

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.