Smith & Wesson Donates to USO

Smith & Wesson contributed more than $32,000 to the Pioneer Valley USO (United Service Organizations) late last month—proceeds raised from the company’s annual Game Dinner. The funds will help support the organization’s programs supporting American military personnel and their families.

“We always appreciate the tremendous support this event receives,” said David Mendoza, Pioneer Valley USO Board president. “We are honored to be the recipient of the funds raised from the annual Smith & Wesson Game Dinner. This event is a wonderful opportunity for the USO to raise awareness of our presence in the Pioneer Valley and provide needed support to our military personnel and their families in Western Massachusetts.”

More than 500 people annually attend the event to support the USO and enjoy a variety of wild game dishes. In addition to the food preparation team, Smith & Wesson staff members donated in excess of 500 personal hours to make the evening a success. The game meat was donated by hunters affiliated with Smith & Wesson, Foggy Mountain Guide Service and Linx Wildlife Management, among others. This year a limited number of sponsorships were also made available, providing local businesses the opportunity to show their support for the men and women who serve.

“It is always wonderful to see such a dedicated team of volunteers come together for this event year after year,” said Mark Smith, president of Smith & Wesson’s Manufacturing Services Division. “We want to thank our volunteers and generous contributors who support this event and the Pioneer Valley USO, which offers critical aid to American service personnel and their families.”

The USO has been serving the men and women in uniform—and their families—for more than 77 years. Its airport centers throughout the country provide round-the-clock hospitality, the organization’s legendary tours bring celebrities to service members on missions far from home and it provides a myriad of other services.