During the Civil War, a group of local YMCA members voluntarily provided relief services to American Armed Forces in nearby encampments. Within seven months, the movement spread across the nation and the United States first large-scale civilian volunteer service corps, known as the United States Christian Coalition, was born. President Abraham Lincoln recognized the Coalition for its efforts during the Civil War.

YMCA established the first permanent Army YMCA at Fort Monroe, Virginia.

At the onset of the Spanish American War, the YMCA sent more than 500 volunteers to various stations in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. YMCA’s volunteer efforts were so highly regarded that the U.S. government established a permanent Army and Navy Committee to give national direction to the work of the YMCA.

Congress authorized construction of additional YMCA buildings on military reservations.

YMCA built a national service network of 31 Army and Navy YMCAs operating across the country.

When World War I began, the YMCA launched a massive program of morale and welfare services for the military, serving 90 percent of American military forces in Europe. Never before in history had an organization aided to so many troops over such wide geographic areas and under such adverse conditions.

The YMCA, National Catholic Community Services, Jewish Welfare Board, Salvation Army, and National Travelers Aid Association comprised this wartime organization.

Read more>>