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Kevin J. McCarthy

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WEST GERMAN GOVERNMENT SURPRISES USO WITH $100,000 GRANT

Washington, D.C. July 2 -- Hannelore Kohl, wife of West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, presented a check for one hundred thousand dollars from the Federal Republic of Germany to USO World President Charles T. Hagel at a ceremony this week here at Ft. McNair. Hagel promptly announced that the gift will be earmarked for USO operations in West Germany.

Mrs. Kohl was in the United States to be honored by the USO of Metropolitan Washington D.C., as the recipient of their International Service Award. Previous awardees have included Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush.

The event, attended by dignitaries such as First Lady Nancy Reagan, Attorney General Edwin Meese and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, raised approximately $100,000 for the USO of Metropolitan Washington. Kissinger, who also gave the keynote address, presented the USO award to Mrs. Kohl.

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USO, A CIVILIAN, NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, IS SUPPORTED THROUGH THE UNITED WAY COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN AND VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS

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The unexpected contribution to USO World Headquarters was announced by Mrs. Kohl, reading a letter from her husband to Hagel. In the letter, Chancellor Kohl cited his "gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding services that USO is rendering in our country and worldwide."

USO has recently placed a great deal of emphasis on strengthening its operations in West Germany. There are now eight USO centers in Germany to assist the 300,000 American military stationed there, along with an almost equal number of dependents. USO services include airport centers, fleet services, community and cultural orientation, and family assistance.

Hagel has been to Europe on three occasions during his first five months in office to implement a significant restructuring plan, and to develop plans for better management of USO affiliates and centers. The actions have been part of a five-year plan mandated by the USO Board to make USO affiliates stronger, more independent and financially secure.

According to Hagel, "Further financial assistance for our German operations will come from a major fundraiser in Germany scheduled for October. We're coordinating efforts with USO Germany Council President, Gen. Glenn K. Otis." Otis is Commander in Chief, U.S. Army Europe, and serves as president of the USO council in a voluntary capacity.

Richard R. Burt, U.S. Ambassador to West Germany, and Mrs. Burt will host the October event at a location yet to be determined. USO plans to raise substantial additional revenues for its operations in Germany, as well as to raise the public profile of the USO presence in that country.

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