The objective of the USO’s Human to Human project is to deepen the connection between service members and civilians, bridging the gap through shared human experiences. The driving idea is to encourage meaningful interactions and understanding that can build a stronger, more empathetic society that recognizes and supports the sacrifices and resilience of our military community.
Specifically, the goal was to create opportunities where service members and civilians could engage in honest, open conversations, allowing each side to see the humanity in the other. This was achieved through structured yet natural dialogues between pairs of strangers—one civilian and one service member—who brought to light shared experiences, challenges, and emotions. By facilitating these connections, the USO aimed to reduce the emotional distance that often exists between the military and civilians, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect.
Additionally, the work highlights the resources the USO provides to foster community and connection both at home and when deployed with the USO Centers around the globe. The Human to Human project emphasizes the USO's mission to strengthen the well-being of the people who serve and to build bridges of empathy and support through shared experiences and stories.
A key element of the Human to Human project was to have the USO quite literally bring together seven pairs of strangers at the Atlanta International Airport, each pair consisting of one service member and one civilian, asking each other questions printed on cards that the USO provided. As they sat across from one another with both excitement and nervousness, neither knew what role the other played. These facts would later be discovered — not with the “big reveal” of a reality show, but through the natural connections they made. This approach was centered around building human connections, creating comforting spaces, and highlighting the power of conversation.
The paired conversations were surprising, powerful, and unifying — there were moments of realization, connection, and even a few tears. The civilians saw their service member partners in a different light, with a new understanding that even the toughest among us find strength in the support of others. The strategy began with the development of programs aimed to bridge the gap between service members and civilians. At the Atlanta International Airport, the Human to Human project paired service members with civilians in an environment where both parties could share their stories and experiences, ultimately fostering empathy and understanding. This project was a part of the USO’s broader mission to honor the people who serve by building bridges of empathy through shared experiences.
Execution
For the Human to Human Project, the USO worked closely with airport authorities and military officials to ensure the event's smooth operation. The conversations were structured yet organic, with the USO providing guidance without dictating the flow, allowing genuine connections to emerge. This initiative was highlighted in the spotlight video “Human to Human,” which offered an intimate look into the shared experiences between civilians and service members.
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
One of the significant challenges faced during the Human to Human Project was ensuring that the conversations between service members and civilians were impactful and authentic. There was a risk that the interactions could feel forced or superficial. To overcome this, the USO carefully selected conversation prompts that were open-ended and personal, encouraging participants to share stories that revealed their vulnerabilities and strengths.
Uniqueness
What makes this work unique is the USO's holistic approach to supporting service members, combining emotional, psychological, and practical support. The Human to Human Project is distinctive in its focus on direct, personal engagement between civilians and service members, fostering understanding and empathy and providing a deeper context to life in the military.
With the Human to Human project, the USO demonstrated a deep commitment to its mission of strengthening the bonds between the military and civilian communities. By celebrating the people who serve and building bridges of empathy, the USO continues to fulfill its mission in a meaningful way.
The results of our efforts exceeded our team's objectives, demonstrating the profound impact of connecting service members with civilians and bridging the gap between the two.
The Human to Human project’s conversations were surprising, powerful, and unifying — there were moments of realization, connection, and even a few tears. The civilians saw their service member partners in a different light, with a new understanding that even the toughest among us find strength in the support of others.
The Human to Human Project successfully bridged the gap between civilians and service members, promoting empathy and understanding through heartfelt conversations. Participants reported a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by the military and a renewed sense of connection. This initiative not only met but surpassed our goal of building bridges between these two communities, as evidenced by the positive feedback and emotional responses from both parties. The project's success was showcased in the USO’s spotlight video, “Human to Human,” which emphasized the power of shared experiences.
The overwhelmingly positive responses and the tangible improvements in service members' well-being confirm that our efforts made a meaningful difference, fulfilling the USO's mission to strengthen the connection between service members and the communities they protect. By celebrating the humanity, resilience, and sacrifices of those who serve, we have made significant strides in building a more empathetic and supportive society.
