Drawing on his distinguished 35-year Army career, USO CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Linnington explains how the organization supports military families and keeps service members connected to their loved ones back home. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Linnington (2025) SIDEWALKS host Lori Rosales interviews USO CEO, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Linnington. With a distinguished 35-year career in the US Army, Linnington shares insights into the USO's enduring mission to support military personnel and their families. PLEASE NOTE: This online version of the interview is slightly different than how it appeared on the TV episode with the host segments rearranged. Mini-Biography: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Linnington, a 1980 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point who holds advanced degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the National War College, was appointed as the 24th Chief Executive Officer of the USO, effective October 2025. This appointment follows a distinguished 35-year military career that culminated in senior leadership roles such as Military Deputy to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and Commanding General of the Military District of Washington/Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region, as well as command of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, during combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. After retiring from the Army in 2015, Linnington served as the first permanent Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency before becoming CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project from 2016 to 2024, where he led a significant period of transformation and growth, expanding programs and services for post-9/11 wounded veterans and their families. Official Website: USO Interview Credits: Recorded: November 19, 2025 Host / Producer: Lori Rosales Editor: Richard R. Lee Special Thanks To: USO Vimeo Backup of Interview https://vimeo.com/1140689266?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
