USO Mid-Atlantic

Last Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, the USO hosted its 27th Annual Salute to Military Chefs presented by BMC Software. in Washington, D.C., honoring the unsung heroes who serve America’s armed forces and national leaders behind the scenes - our military chefs. The evening celebrated 12 military chefs nominated by senior leaders such as the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff and each respective service chief. Each honoree represents the best of military culinary arts, and their stories showcased a blend of artistry, resilience, and dedication. The event, opened by Lisa Marie Riggins, USO Southeast Regional President, brought together top military leaders, community supporters, and corporate partners to celebrate the vital role these chefs play. “Behind every one of our nation’s top leaders, there is a military chef ensuring a good meal is the last thing they have to worry about,” Riggins shared in her opening remarks. Celebrity Chef Carla Hall, co-host of the event, beautifully summed it up: “Being a military chef is a unique form of service - a blend of artistry, resilience, and love.” Thank you to our partners and heartfelt thank you to David Sims, the Vice President U.S. Public Sector at BMC Software, for being a longtime sponsor of this event for 13 years. Your unwavering commitment highlights the importance of honoring those who serve. The evening featured a six-course meal prepared by the honorees, paired with exquisite wines from Venge Vineyards, Inc., and highlighted stories of the USO’s ongoing mission to support service members and their families, even during natural disasters. The chefs honored represent every branch of the military and are culinary leaders in their fields. Honorees included: - Master Sgt. Kevin Arwood, U.S. Army National Guard - Tech Sgt. Michael De Franco, U.S. Air Force - Staff Sgt. Nahomie Fanfan, U.S. Army - Tech Sgt. Ashlee Folks, U.S. Air Force - Staff Sgt. Matthew Perlin, U.S. Space Force - CS1 Mandy Harris, U.S. Navy - CS1 Felicia Juarez, U.S. Coast Guard - CS1 Luis Sanchez, U.S. Navy - CS1 Sarah Server, U.S. Navy - CS1 Preston Smith, U.S. Navy - CS1 Jesse Thompson, U.S. Navy - Sgt. Patricia Gonzalez Ochoa, U.S. Marine Corps #SaluteToMilitaryChefs #USO #SupportOurTroops #MilitaryExcellence #BMC #Gratitude

Exciting news! During the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the Boyd Gaming Resort and Casino in Norfolk Va., Boyd Gaming generously presented the USO with a $50,000 donation! This incredible gift will help support our mission of strengthening the well-being of the people serving in America's military and their families. A huge thank you to Boyd Gaming for their commitment to supporting our military community. The Boyd Gaming Resort and Casino which is being built on behalf of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, will have 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 200-room hotel, eight restaurants, and a 1,300-spot parking garage. The resort and casino will sit on six acres of land?between Harbor Park and the Amtrak station, and is anticipated to be completed by 2027. #USO #MilitarySupport #BoydGaming

Delta Air Lines has been a proud sponsor of the USO for more than 15 years. Each year, Delta brings its support to life with employee volunteers participating in activities that span the globe. This past week, four Delta employees volunteered to hand out hand sanitizer, t-shirts and refreshments to traveling service members at our BWI USO Airport location. One Delta employee, Frank Nieves, a U.S. Army veteran, was so excited about supporting our service members that he is joining the USO as a volunteer! Thank you Delta Air Lines for your continued support of the USO’s mission of strengthening the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families.

We were honored to host our long-standing partners SAIC during their visit to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and our USO Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall center today. A powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our service members and their families. Thank you SAIC for your generous contribution of $100,000 today so that the USO can continue to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America's military and their families. #SAICServes?#USO #ForThePeopleWhoServe

Our USO center at Naval Station Norfolk’s Air Passenger Terminal (Norfolk AMC Terminal) is undergoing a top to bottom renovation and we could not be more excited! Thank you to our amazing partners at Lowe's Companies, Inc., and Points of Light, for teaming together and continuing their longtime commitment to communities by completing signature improvement projects in 100 hometowns across the country, including the USO’s Norfolk AMC Terminal location. Over the last two weeks, over 20 Lowe's Companies, Inc., associates, store and district managers, many of whom are veterans themselves, volunteered alongside USO staff to remove wallpaper and then sand, prime, and paint the entire center as it undergoes its much needed face lift. The USO center at NSN Air Passenger Terminal provides services and support to nearly 2,500 service members and their families each month as they transit to/from new duty or training stations. This project will improve the appearance of the space with a refreshed and welcoming reception area, new flooring, new paint, new furniture and a new water filling station for our military families and single service members to enjoy together all year round! We can’t wait for the grand reopening tentatively scheduled for November 6th!

Thank you to the 2024 Solheim Cup for selecting the USO as this year’s Official Charitable Partner. The partnership between the USO, Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the Solheim Cup reflects a shared commitment to honoring and supporting our military service members and their families. Leading up to the Solheim Cup, local military service members and their families had the opportunity to participate in activities where they interacted with U.S. Team athletes competing in the event.?Activities include a putting contest and driving practice between the attending military families and select U.S. Team players For the selected military service members and their families participating, the Solheim Cup offered a rare chance to witness the world’s best golfers compete at the highest level. Good luck to the 2024 U.S. Solheim Cup Team!

The USO is honored to have been selected by the 2024 Solheim Cup as the event’s Official Charitable Partner. Solheim Cup fans can support the USO through an online memorabilia auction. All proceeds from the auction, which will include exclusive items signed by members of the 2024 U.S. Solheim Cup Team, will benefit the USO. You too can join in, by following the link and making your bid today! https://lnkd.in/ehAQyyc5

Thank you to Guidehouse and D.C. United for hosting our local military families and recognizing the USO as part of your Military Appreciation Night at Audi Field! Your support allows us to showcase our programs, connect with fans, honor our military families, and spread awareness about the USO’s mission and the people serving in America’s military and their families who we serve.?

Thank you to Giant Food for another successful year supporting the USO as part of this year’s coupon sales and Round Up campaign! Your contributions will help to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families stationed in the local area and across the globe.?

We were honored to be pier-side this morning supporting the homecoming of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), providing refreshments, welcome-home sign making, the USO-National Football League (NFL) Gaming Trailer and yard games to the thousands of families who have been waiting 9-long months to finally reunite with their loved ones. Welcome home USS Eisenhower! To see the full homecoming gallery please visit: https://lnkd.in/e6yFQsEu