The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

GEICO $150,000 Donation to Boost USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia Programs


geico (select to view enlarged photo)

HAMPTON ROADS, VA--March 30, 2011: Wellness for Warriors programs, airport and military welcome centers, and entertainment events run by the United Service Organizations (USO) of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia will be among USO programs that receive a financial boost of $150,000 from GEICO. The GEICO Philanthropic Foundation has committed $50,000 in 2011, 2012, and 2013 to support multiple USOHRCV programs as well as add improvements to USOHRCV centers across the state.

“GEICO understands the sacrifices of today's warriors."

"The USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia is the premier support organization of the United States military and their families in our region," said Joe Thomas, GEICO regional vice president. "The sponsorship gives us a unique opportunity to build stronger ties with the USO as well as support the military communities that serve our country and protect our freedom each day."

Thomas presented the check to Bruce LaLonde, President and Chief Executive Officer of the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia during a joint press conference at the Norfolk International Airport USO Center on Tuesday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m., in Norfolk, Va., to kick off the sponsorship.

"GEICO understands the sacrifices of today's warriors," said LaLonde. "This contribution will go a long way toward supporting our mission of improving the quality of life for the nearly 350,000 troops, reservists, retirees and family members that we serve in the state."

The USO of Hampton Roads serves the largest concentration of military personnel in the country. More than 100,000 permanent active duty, National Guard and reserves along with a rotation of 100,000 students on temporary duty status are stationed on military bases throughout the state. In addition, there are more than 750,000 individual military and family sign-ins at USO centers at civilian and military airports in Richmond, Norfolk, Fort Eustis, Langley Air Force Base and the Norfolk Naval Station.

The USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia is a non-governmental, non-profit 501c (3) organization that depends on corporate and individual support to fund its programs and services. The USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia receives no direct financial funding from the Department of Defense. While it is affiliated with World USO, it receives no funding from world headquarters. In order to maintain its centers and provide programs, the USO maintains a strong sponsor relationship with local business and civic organizations and relies heavily on individual contributions and volunteers from very supportive local communities.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. The company is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. GEICO handles auto insurance coverage for 10 million private passenger auto policies and insures more than 16 million vehicles.

In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and mobile homes. Coverage for life, boats, homes and apartments is available through the GEICO Insurance Agency. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

A member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys.