WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE -- In 2016, a facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base welcomed as many people as can be found at a well-attended rock concert. It acts as a “home away from home” for all military members.
The USO Community Center, Bldg. 1222, 2221 Birch St., Kittyhawk Center, Area A, celebrated its first anniversary Feb. 24. The facility includes a large auditorium; the Wright Café with free WiFi, free snacks and drinks; and a well-equipped game room, with multiple items donated by the Gary Sinise
Foundation. The facility also provides donated housekeeping and clothing items from its Airman’s Attic.
Sherry Ems, United Service Organizations of Central and Southern Ohio executive director, thanked everyone present for helping the USO celebrate.
“This was a labor of love to get this building to the way it is today,” she said. “We had so many volunteers who painted and cleaned and helped get it ready so we could have it available for the service members.”
Ems thanked the Team Wright-Patt volunteers present and everyone who helped make the USO Community Center a reality. She also thanked donors like the Military Officers Association of America and the many other donors who help keep the center going.
“We cannot operate without the donations from our sponsors,” Ems said.
She encouraged those present to tell others about the center and asked for any ideas on programming so the USO Community Center can continue to grow in the many ways it serves its guests.
“We enjoy being here. It’s been a great year,” she finished.
Col. Bradley McDonald, 88th Air Base Wing commander, said the facility exemplified the idea of taking care of Airmen and other service members and their families. Former 88 ABW command chief Lisa Arnold, who was instrumental getting the center open on base, “FaceTimed” the event from a deployed location to offer anniversary wishes.
Mia Walthers, USO Community Center manager, thanked the Bourbon Road band members for donating their time and talents to the event.
“USO volunteers are the life’s blood here. They are the reason the doors are open,” she said. “They are appreciated and so valuable.”
To volunteer or for additional information about the USO Community Center, contact Walthers at mia@usocso.org or call 937-904-0537.
USO Community Center to host March events
The USO Community Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will host two special events this month. The “Serving Heroes” Dinner will be March 26 at 6 p.m. A flyer with details and RSVP information will be released shortly.
The USO is excited to host its first “Marry Me Military” event March 18. This event will make more than 350 new, beautiful and donated wedding dresses available for free! These dresses were donated to military women and male service members’ fiancées for their very special day. The event also is open to retired military members with sons and daughters who are getting married as long as they are still holding dependent cards.
All Guards, Reservists and active-duty military, regardless of rank, are highly encouraged to attend and see this special event. Come and say “Yes to the Dress!”
Stop by the USO Community Center, Bldg. 1222, 2221 Birch St., Kittyhawk Center, Area A, for additional information and RSVP instructions.