ARLINGTON, VA--(Marketwired - November 01, 2016) - This November, what do ice cream, a PBS documentary and NFL teams have in common? They are three features of the USO's 11-day tribute to veterans planned between now and November 11. All offer a glimpse into the USO as the force behind the forces, America's leading support organization for men and women serving in our military.

As the USO celebrates its 75^th anniversary in 2016, all Americans can be the force behind the forces on Veterans Day by finding ways to help connect service members back to family, home and country, just as the USO has been doing for everyone in uniform since World War II.

From November 1 through 11, the USO is honoring service members past and present with an 11-day tribute showcasing USO initiatives and ways Americans can show their support, appreciation and gratitude for all who have worn the nation's uniform, as well as their dedicated families. Click here to see 11 ways you can learn about the USO and support service members.

With November marking National Military Family Appreciation month, the USO is inviting all Americans to send their own messages of support to today's service members. These messages will appear on video screens in USO centers around the world. The USO's goal is to generate more than 1 million messages in 2016, and to date has generated more than 750,000 expressions of gratitude and support.

On November 7, America can tune in 9pm EST to USO - For The Troops, a PBS documentary chronicling 75 years of the USO in action. The documentary, produced by seven-time Emmy award winner Peter Schnall, is made possible by Johnson & Johnson. On Veterans Day, the USO will showcase a story series on USO.org and its social media channels, highlighting inspiring military veterans who now serve as USO volunteers around the world.

"Anyone can be the force behind the forces, as veterans dating back to World War II can attest," said USO Senior Vice President of Brand Advancement Paul G. Allvin. "We owe military service members and their families our active support, and this Veterans Day the USO is thrilled to showcase the many ways we keep service members connected to the people and places they have dedicated their lives to serve and defend."

To join the USO in this Veterans Day initiative, follow along on USO social media channels at #BeTheForce on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Launched in September, Force Behind the Forces, is a brand awareness campaign encouraging Americans to join a community of supporters committed to connecting service members to the things they hold dear -- family, home and country. Americans interested in joining the force are encouraged to make a contribution, seek out their local USO or send their personal messages of support to service members throughout the world.

About the USO
The USO strengthens America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort and support. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.

In addition to individual donors and corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by President's Circle Partners: AT&T, the BNSF Railway Foundation, Clark Construction Group, LLC, The Coca-Cola Company, FedEx, Jeep, Johnson & Johnson, Kroger, NFL, Southern New Hampshire University and Four-Star Partners: Advisors Excel, BIC, ConAgra Foods, GEICO, Harris Teeter, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Starbucks, TKS, USAA and the Wawa Foundation. We are also supported through the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381). To join us in this important mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.