Celebrating Mary Lou Austin's 56 Years of Dedication to Those Who Serve

For over 56 extraordinary years, Mary Lou Austin has exemplified unwavering commitment, serving as a shining light of hope and support for service members and their families around the world. At just 22 years old, her journey with the USO began on Jan. 6, 1967 at the USO center at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, and quickly blossomed into a lifelong mission of service that has touched the hearts of countless service members and their families around the globe.

Over the decades, Mary Lou has done more than lead; she has embodied the very soul of the USO. From her early days, when she poured her heart into boosting the morale of Soldiers in Germany, South Korea and Okinawa, Japan, to her role today as Executive Director of USO Georgia, Mary Lou has always understood what it means to serve. She has been the steady hand organizing countless deployment ceremonies, the warm smile welcoming troops home, and the compassionate heart offering comfort to those far from family and friends.

Her efforts have rippled across generations of service members, each carrying with them the warmth and care she provided - whether through a small act of kindness or a grand gesture that brought a whole community together. Mary Lou’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the USO’s ability to bring joy, hope, and connection to those who sacrifice so much for our nation.

Reflecting on her 56 years of service, Mary Lou said, “The USO has been more than my career - it has been my heart and my purpose. I’ve been blessed to walk alongside some of the most selfless people in the world, serving those who give so much for our freedom. Every smile, every hug, every word of thanks from a service member or their family reminds me why this work matters. It has been the honor of my life.”

Even after 56 years, Mary Lou shows no sign of slowing down. This past holiday season, her passion shone as brightly as ever during Holiday Block Leave. At a time when young soldiers embarked on journeys to reunite with loved ones, Mary Lou and her team ensured that each traveler felt the love and care of the USO. Thousands of troops were met with meals, smiles, and moments of peace during their long journeys—acts that reflected the heart of her mission.

Christina Shively, Senior Area Operations Manager for USO Georgia, reflected on Mary Lou’s profound impact on her career. “For the past three years, Mary Lou has been my mentor, my guide, and my greatest source of inspiration. She leads with compassion and grace, and her dedication to the USO mission has taught me what it truly means to serve. Her wisdom and encouragement have shaped me into the leader I am today, and I am forever grateful for her.”

Scarlett Williams, the Center Operations Coordinator who has worked alongside Mary Lou for more than a decade, shared her thoughts: “Mary Lou is more than a leader - she’s family. For over ten years, I’ve watched her pour her heart and soul into everything she does. She’s the first to roll up her sleeves and the last to leave when the work is done. Her kindness, her resilience, and her passion for our service members inspire me every single day.”

Lisa Marie Riggins, Regional President for the USO Southeast Region, also spoke of Mary Lou’s extraordinary contributions: “Mary Lou Austin is more than a leader — she is the very essence of what the USO stands for. For 56 years, she has given her heart and soul to our service members and their families. Whether it’s during a quiet moment of support or an event like Holiday Block Leave, Mary Lou’s care and compassion leave an indelible mark. We are profoundly grateful for her service and and celebrate this incredible milestone with a loud and thunderous - hoorah.”

As we honor Mary Lou Austin’s 56th anniversary with the USO, we celebrate a lifetime of selflessness and love. She has been a beacon of hope for those navigating the challenges of military life, a source of strength for families, and a testament to the power of dedication. Mary Lou’s story isn’t just about the past—it’s about a legacy that will inspire generations to come. For every service member and family she has touched, she is more than a leader; she is a part of their family, and they are forever grateful.