Post by Steiner on Dec 5, 2003 15:25:54 GMT -5
December 04, 2003 - If you're one of the clever ones, you should know that Xbox Live can be used to chat with friends around the country, free of charge. Microsoft knows this too, and has teamed up with U.S. Organizations (USO) and U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) to launch Operation: Live Connections.
Launching today, Live Connections involved family members of overseas troops converging in downtown Manhattan to play videogames and chat with their loved ones. This is possible through the USO service centers that are now equipped with Xbox consoles, games, and Live kits - a result of a study conducted to see how the troops' way of life and morale could be boosted.
"The USO's mission has not changed for more than 62 years, but the way we deliver our services has changed tremendously," said Ned Powell, president and CEO of USO. "Operation: Live Connections will enable the USO to continue its commitment to supporting and entertaining military families in the United States and abroad through engaging, interactive online gaming via Xbox Live."
"USAFE joined forces with Operation: Live Connections to further address the quality-of-life initiative, providing a positive avenue for recreation and leisure-time activities through online gaming," said Arthur Myers, director of U.S Air Force Services. "With Operation: Live Connections, we are expanding our ability to connect airmen with their loved ones while bringing the familiarities of home to those stationed abroad."
"Microsoft is extremely honored to have the opportunity to join forces with the USO and USAFE to fulfill the program's mission to give military personnel new ways to connect with family during the holidays," said Julia Miller, director of marketing for Xbox Live at Microsoft. "This is truly a landmark effort to help boost morale and show the troops and their families our support and appreciation for their dedicated service and sacrifice in being apart, especially during the holidays."
Here are a few of the service centers currently equipped with Xbox Live service:
* The Bob Hope Hollywood USO at LAX entertains 20,000 military members with programs such as video messaging, Internet use and movies.
* USO of Metropolitan New York Inc., Port Authority Bus Terminal provides services to 300,000 service members annually.
* Gen. Colin L. Powell USO Center, Brooklyn, N.Y., provides programs and services to 30,000 soldiers and families annually. This center also caters to military personnel stationed at Fort Hamilton.
* USO International Gateway Lounge at BWI Airport, Baltimore, is a safe haven for military personnel and their families in transit, serving more than 60,000 military members and their families a year.
* USO of Hampton Roads Inc., Va., serves more than 200,000 military members and their families each year. It was instrumental in sending items to U.S. troops in Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
* USO of Fort Hood, Texas, is home to one of the largest U.S. Army bases, providing services for approximately 30,000 soldiers and their families continuously.
* Camp Casey, Korea, helps boost the morale of troops stationed in isolated areas, traveling hundreds of miles to provide entertainment. The center sees 240,000 service members annually.
Launching today, Live Connections involved family members of overseas troops converging in downtown Manhattan to play videogames and chat with their loved ones. This is possible through the USO service centers that are now equipped with Xbox consoles, games, and Live kits - a result of a study conducted to see how the troops' way of life and morale could be boosted.
"The USO's mission has not changed for more than 62 years, but the way we deliver our services has changed tremendously," said Ned Powell, president and CEO of USO. "Operation: Live Connections will enable the USO to continue its commitment to supporting and entertaining military families in the United States and abroad through engaging, interactive online gaming via Xbox Live."
"USAFE joined forces with Operation: Live Connections to further address the quality-of-life initiative, providing a positive avenue for recreation and leisure-time activities through online gaming," said Arthur Myers, director of U.S Air Force Services. "With Operation: Live Connections, we are expanding our ability to connect airmen with their loved ones while bringing the familiarities of home to those stationed abroad."
"Microsoft is extremely honored to have the opportunity to join forces with the USO and USAFE to fulfill the program's mission to give military personnel new ways to connect with family during the holidays," said Julia Miller, director of marketing for Xbox Live at Microsoft. "This is truly a landmark effort to help boost morale and show the troops and their families our support and appreciation for their dedicated service and sacrifice in being apart, especially during the holidays."
Here are a few of the service centers currently equipped with Xbox Live service:
* The Bob Hope Hollywood USO at LAX entertains 20,000 military members with programs such as video messaging, Internet use and movies.
* USO of Metropolitan New York Inc., Port Authority Bus Terminal provides services to 300,000 service members annually.
* Gen. Colin L. Powell USO Center, Brooklyn, N.Y., provides programs and services to 30,000 soldiers and families annually. This center also caters to military personnel stationed at Fort Hamilton.
* USO International Gateway Lounge at BWI Airport, Baltimore, is a safe haven for military personnel and their families in transit, serving more than 60,000 military members and their families a year.
* USO of Hampton Roads Inc., Va., serves more than 200,000 military members and their families each year. It was instrumental in sending items to U.S. troops in Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
* USO of Fort Hood, Texas, is home to one of the largest U.S. Army bases, providing services for approximately 30,000 soldiers and their families continuously.
* Camp Casey, Korea, helps boost the morale of troops stationed in isolated areas, traveling hundreds of miles to provide entertainment. The center sees 240,000 service members annually.