It’s a far cry from the dancing playmates in Apocalypse Now, or even from Bob Hope and Rita Hayworth, but a number of PC companies are offering technology to provide a little holiday cheer for troops who are far from home this season. And it’s not your grandfather’s Stage Door Canteen by a long shot.

The United Service Organizations (USO) has provided a friendly face and a fresh cup of coffee to American troops around the world since 1941. Although chartered by Congress, it is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit support group for military families.

One of the USO’s most important services is help with correspondence. For soldiers, sailors, air force personnel, and other members of the military, staying in touch with home using the USO’s assistance has helped them to stay sane. The organization quickly recognized the value of e-mail as a morale-builder, as well. Today, Internet e-mail “stations” are common in military installations and deployment areas.

This holiday, however, besides getting care packages and e-mails from home, members of the military also can send video e-mail, thanks to America Online. In some locations, troops can play real-time online games with loved ones while they talk with a kid brother or other family member sitting at a similar game console in their living room back home. The real-time connection is enabled thanks to Microsoft and its Xbox Live service.