Richard Maize: Donating to USO Provides Security To Every US Citizen

Richard Maize: Donating to USO Provides Security To Every US Citizen

Los Angeles ---- December 2, 2010 ...... There are many charities that one can donate to during this holiday season. But without any doubt, perhaps the most important organization is that which physically protects our lives, our homes and our sacred values of democracy," said Richard Maize.

Richard Maize is one of the world’s most successful and respected businessmen. Maize also directs the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation – a philanthropic organization that supports, contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the LA community and worldwide supporting programs focusing on art, culture, sports, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives. 

"The USO is truly a fantastic organization.  I had no idea what they did before my visit today.  I can mainly speak for the LAX USO.  I found the USO is a safe haven for servicemen and women both current the retired.  It is a place for these soldiers to either rest, shower, watch a movie, eat a snack or use the computers.  Often soldiers come in from all around the world and need a place to wait, congregate or simply rest.  All of the above is done here," says Richard Maize.

The USO mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to uniformed military personnel. There are over 120 USO Centers around the world serving thousands of brave US troops in the Marines, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force stationed from California and New York to Iraq and Afghanistan.

"On the day and time I visited there were not any soldiers in uniform.  Apparently, many go to USO Centers during a transition," says Maize.  "Let me tell you what I learned from Ismael Martinez who is the Chief of Naval Operations.  He was there awaiting the arrival of certain wounded or sick sailors from the US Coast Guard."

Maize continues: "I discovered that the USO also sponsors 'wounded worrier games' which takes a certain number or wounded soldiers from the Navy, Air Force, Marines and Army to participate in Olympic style games in Port Hueneme."

"I lived during the time that we, as young people were trying to figure out how to deal with Vietnam.  I was so very concerned about fighting a war on the other side of the world that I had no real knowledge of our strategies or how in the world we are going to win that one." 

 

"Since that time, our brave servicemen and women have shown the US who they are and who we are as a nation.  I am proud to be an American who stands up for justice.  Our whole country rallied in retaliation to 9/11, much like when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.  We rallied together with more mutual American love than we showed each other for many decades.  The other countries around the world supported our efforts to preserve democracy and freedom. It was a great moment in a horrible time." 

Richard Maize concludes: "The USO survives mainly on contributions.  I was more than pleased to participate through my foundation to provide funds for the USO.  It was truly a fulfilling experience. And to improve upon the morale of soldiers is enable them to be that more effective in defending the home land. What could be more important?"

"I think the world of our men and women in the US armed forces.  They are selfless and I view them with great honor and praise.  Great work you men and women in uniform.  Hope you all have a safe holiday wherever you are and come home safe and sound."

Supporting America’s troops was the first mission of the USO. In 1941, as it became clear that the nation was heading into World War II, several organizations mobilized to support the growing U.S. military: the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt created synergy among these agencies by forming the United Service Organizations, with the objective of providing the emotional support the troops needed.

Over time, the USO has evolved, developing new programs and services to meet the ever-changing needs of the troops and their families, while holding fast to the original mission.

Today, the USO continues to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families, and will continue to be there for them until every one comes home.

Richard Maize, who also serves as mentor to recent college graduates, established the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation – a philanthropic organization that supports, contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the LA community and worldwide supporting programs focusing on art, culture, sports, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives.

Richard Maize has generously supported a variety of organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, the Beverly Hills Police and Fire Department, the USO, the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors, Israel Flying Aid in earthquake devastated Haiti and the Maccabiah Sports Games in Israel.

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of many other non-profit local organizations in LA and globally where Richard has been recognized for his humanitarian efforts on behalf of dozens of charitable groups and community projects.