USO

I started volunteering with the USO on Fort Hood at the beginning of October. I thought it would be a good opportunity to get out of the house and meet some new people and it has proven to be a great experience.

This past week when the tragedy here at our 'home' on Fort Hood happened, the USO was on the ball and started to support the troops as soon as they could. They set up their Cantina to serve meals and have snacks and drinks and necessities available 24 hours a day outside the Soldier Readiness Center. There are soldiers on guard around the clock, the investigators, and the civilians who work in the building that all needed our support. I was happy to be there first thing in the morning Friday, the day after it happened, and have been there just about everyday since.

Fort Hood's small Cantina broke down on Saturday afternoon and help was on the way from Dallas and Houston. They brought the grand Mobile USO which has a lounge with a big flat screen TV, four gaming stations, and a kitchen on board with two more flat screens on the side. I know the soldiers really appreciate the support and I personally was happy to help.

I was on post at the time of the shooting. I heard the first sirens from the First Responders as I went into the commissary that Thursday, and was probably one of the last ones able to leave post right before they locked it down almost 20 minutes after the attack.

Post is supposed to be a safe place: home.

Watching the memorial service at the Mobile USO.

Hug a veteran this Veteran's Day.

It'll mean more to them than you think. ♥