I’ve met some amazing women in our Army Mom Strong community. They continue to inspire me and help shape my military mom journey into a positive experience. Let me introduce you one of those inspiring women: Lisa K., who volunteers her time with the USO. Here’s her story.
One day I received a call from my son. He was so excited and asked, “Mom, are you sitting down?” I said, “Yes.” He continued, “I have good news and bad news. What would you like to hear first?”
My heart sank and I replied, “Give me the good news first.” He said, “I love you.”
Then he paused before telling me the one thing I didn’t want to hear, “I am being deployed and we leave in two weeks.”
I wanted to cry but knew I needed to support my soldier. So many thoughts swirled through my mind. I couldn’t believe he was leaving but was very proud of his service.
As a United Service Organizations (USO) volunteer in Atlanta. Georgia, I urged him to connect with the USO as soon as he arrived at his base.
What is the USO?
The USO offers support to military members and their families all around the world. Their mission is to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country, throughout their service to the nation.
As a volunteer, we have had the pleasure of serving military members as they pass through the Atlanta Airport:
- Cooking meals to feed service members and their families
- Encourage young men and women who are away from home for the first time
- Assist them as they navigate the airport
- Give them a place to rest or to call their loved ones
- Offer smiles and hugs to everyone
- An opportunity to pray for military members.
The USO also entertains the troops at bases around the world and helps them transition back to civilian life after they complete military service.
It didn’t take long for my son to found out just how caring and supportive the USO was.
His first call home was from their office on the base and he said, “Mom, the USO staff has been so nice and takes really good care of us.”
Tears ran down my face as I responded, “I know. That’s why they are there.”
Army moms, encourage your soldiers to contact the USO office wherever they serve stateside or abroad. The USO can’t take the place of mom but will always give them the support and care they deserve.
For more information visit the USO website.
Thank you to Lisa K. for sharing her story.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
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