---
kind: "section"
citation: "36 U.S.C. § 220104"
title: "36"
title_heading: "Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations"
number: "220104"
heading: "Governing body"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/36/220104"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Patriotic and National Organizations"
  - "Part B — Organizations"
  - "Chapter 2201 — United Service Organizations, Incorporated"
---

# §220104. Governing body

- (a) **Board of Governors.—**
  - (1) The board of governors is the governing body of the [corporation](/usc/36/220501.md?p=b-7). The board is responsible for the general policies and program of the [corporation](/usc/36/220501.md?p=b-7) and for the control of the affairs and property of the [corporation](/usc/36/220501.md?p=b-7).
  - (2) The board shall be elected by the members of the [corporation](/usc/36/220501.md?p=b-7) for the term and in the classes provided in the bylaws of the [corporation](/usc/36/220501.md?p=b-7). The board includes—
    - (A) six members appointed by the President;
    - (B) the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary’s designee; and
    - (C) representatives of the civilian organizations listed in [section 220102(4) of this title](/usc/36/220102.md?p=4), and of the public at large, as provided in the bylaws.
  - (3) The [corporation](/usc/36/220501.md?p=b-7) may have other governing bodies or committees as provided in the bylaws.
- (b) **Officers.—**
  - (1) The office of honorary chairman of the [corporation](/usc/36/220501.md?p=b-7) shall be offered to the President. On acceptance, the honorary chairman shall be invited to preside at meetings of the [corporation](/usc/36/220501.md?p=b-7) that the honorary chairman deems appropriate and convenient.
  - (2) The [corporation](/usc/36/220501.md?p=b-7) may have other officers as provided in the bylaws.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1460; Pub. L. 109–284, § 5(11), Sept. 27, 2006, 120 Stat. 1212.)

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Revised<br>Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
| 220104(a) | 36:1305(b), (c). | Dec. 29, 1979, Pub. L. 96–165, § 5(b)–(d), 93 Stat. 1270. |
| 220104(b) | 36:1305(d). |  |

In subsection (a)(1), the words “The board of governors is the governing body of the corporation” are substituted for “The management of the corporation shall be entrusted to a board of governors” for consistency in the revised title.

In subsection (a)(2), the text of 36:1305(b) (2d sentence) and the word “Thereafter” are omitted as executed and obsolete.

In subsection (b)(1), the word “offered” is substituted for “tendered” to use a more common word.

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

2006—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–284 substituted “Defense” for “State”.