NC-based Blackwater Worldwide to help USO

MOYOCK, N.C. (AP) — A nonprofit group says North Carolina-based security contractor Blackwater Worldwide has pledged $2 million to support entertainment and service programs for U.S. troops.

The USO, formerly the United Service Organization, said Thursday that Blackwater has joined seven other companies helping it provide amenities to troops. The funding will be provided over the next four years.

Blackwater President Gary Jackson said he was proud to be involved. He said Blackwater is staffed almost entirely by military veterans.

The Moyock-based company trains military and law enforcement personnel to protect American diplomats overseas and provide security teams in Iraq. It has recently attracted congressional scrutiny and criticism from human rights groups for its involvement in several shooting incidents in Iraq.