Strength Through Support: USO Korea and the United Nations Command’s Enduring Partnership

Douglas A. Boltuc has been the Country Director for USO Korea since 2017. In this capacity, he oversees the USO staff and volunteers as they conduct the mission delivery of USO programs and offerings at five centers, three unstaffed lounges, and eleven remote locations across the Peninsula.

Douglas A. Boltuc the Country Director for USO Korea reflects on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Command and its enduring mission.

The United Nations Command has safeguarded peace on the Korean Peninsula for more than seven decades. From your perspective, how has the USO’s presence in Korea supported the legacy of peace and international partnership over the years? 

The fact that eighteen contributing nations of the United Nations Command have committed military capabilities boldly announces the broad support for and legitimacy of the freedom and democracy of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The fact that so many disparate nations from all over the globe have committed to this security guarantee speaks tremendous amounts to this vast commitment.

The UNC represents a coalition of nations committed to security and stability. How does the USO ensure that its programs, outreach, and centers foster a sense of unity and belonging for service members and families from across different countries? 

Although the USO charter directs us to provide wholesome programs to US Service and Family Members, the importance of the United Nations Command allows us to broaden our patronage to include Service and Family Members of these Allies. We are extremely happy to welcome UNC Members to our programs and events.

Military operations often focus on deterrence and readiness, but the human factor is just as critical. How does the USO provide the kind of stability, morale, and resilience that enable service members and their families to sustain the demanding UNC mission? 

The essence of the USO mission is connection – for Service and Family Members to connect back to home, family, and country. Many of our programs and offerings allow UNC Service and Family Members to be afforded this opportunity in their individual cases as well. In abundance, connection leads to the resilience of the both the Service and Family Members.

Join us in celebrating the enduring partnership between USO Korea and the United Nations Command—a powerful reminder that unity, compassion, and connection continue to strengthen every service member and family across the Korean Peninsula.