For our nation’s active duty service members, separation from family during long deployments means missing out on some important moments and milestones. To help bridge this distance, Google is working with the United Service Organizations (USO) to launch a pilot program powered by Google Beam.

We plan to bring Google Beam, our AI-powered 3D video communication platform, to USO centers in the U.S. and around the world starting next year. For more than 80 years, the USO’s mission has supported the well-being of the military community and helped them stay connected to loved ones. Now, through our pilot program, deployed service members will have the opportunity to feel closer to their families for moments big and small — whether joining a Beam call to wish a family member happy birthday or reading a favorite book to their child and feeling like they’re together in the same room.

To learn more about Google Beam, visit beam.google.