USO Vicenza welcomes home the 173rd ABN BDE

There was a chill in the air as the last remnants of summer dissipated and fall took full effect. The 173rd Airborne Brigade returned from a grueling training mission up in Germany. The soldiers were eager to spend some downtime with friends and family. As the final equipment was stored and put up, the soldiers were released to their families and head over to the headquarters building to participate in the Bayonet Bash/Fall Fest held in the quad area of Del Din. This event is always designed to help the soldiers decompress and relax while spending time reconnecting with their friends and families in a safe and secure environment. As the soldiers and their families arrived at the venue, they were immersed in the aroma of barbequed hot dogs. The soldiers started lining up for their meals, full of delight. The USO is always a cult favorite. Not only because the food is free, but because it is always served with a smile and the appreciation they deserve. As the night continued, the line remained steady at the USO tent as the volunteers cooked, packaged, and served over 1,000 hotdogs to the hungry patrons. By the end of the event, the volunteers were exhausted and smelled of hotdogs. But the smiles never left their faces as they packed up to go home. Events like these are some of the many ways that USO Vicenza supports the military community, keeping them connected to family, home, and country throughout their service to our nation. It is always a privilege to show how much the community appreciates their sacrifices.