How service members stationed in Italy connected over "Cars and Coffee"

Many supporters of the USO know their mission statement is to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. But at the core of this mission is to ensure that service members are connected to the ties that remind them of home and that give them a sense of community even when they are thousands of miles away.

In Naples, Italy service members and their families stationed abroad got together for the first-ever USO Naples Cars and Coffee, a new program geared towards automotive enthusiasts. Registered military community members met just as the sun was rising and showed off their cars and motorcycles while enjoying freshly brewed coffee and donuts courtesy of USO. Over 30 vehicles sparkled in the morning sun, grabbing the attention of not just those in attendance but of fellow community members who were out on their morning walks as well. The freshly washed cars were without a doubt turning heads of those of all ages.

In an effort to reach a group that is rarely seen, USO Naples Volunteer Phillip Killough created the program with the intention of introducing car lovers to fellow automotive enthusiasts stationed in the Naples area. The simple act of giving community members the motivation to show off their cars led to nearly 70 people coming out to view the vehicles, vote for their favorite entry, enjoy a cup of coffee, and connect with like-minded gearheads. While the program was set to last an hour, attendees stayed conversing with new friends for nearly two, discussing the details of each of their vehicles and their hopes to start meeting for Cars & Coffee on a monthly basis.

It is through efforts like these where the USO tailors its mission statement to best support the community it serves, truly accomplishing the goal of connecting service members and building morale where it is needed most.