The organization's branches in Naples, Italy, and Taszar, Hungary, now offer v-mail services, or video mail. It allows Americans stationed abroad to send mini-movies back to friends and family, via computer. The USO plans to eventually offer the service worldwide. Joseph Walker, manager of the USO office in Naples, said personnel should check the office in their area for availability. Though his office had offered the service since Christmas, the big launch turned out to be Mother's Day, when about 30 people queued up to use the office's sole terminal.
Users can opt to send a v-mail directly to someone, or they can post a message to a Web site.
That could allow hundreds of friends to see it. The v-mail service is provided by the USO along with SpotLife, a personal broadcasting Internet site, and Logitech, the camera and mouse maker. Tillelli issued the statement just before the Mother's Day. Whether received on a holiday or normal day, messages can be played on any modern computer connected to the Internet. Pirozzi said most people are amazed that such a service is even possible, much less available to them overseas.