How One Program in Naples, Italy Made a Lasting Impact

Nearly two years ago to the day, Italy saw its first spike in Covid-19 cases. The major cities of Milan and Venice saw restrictions put in place first, with Rome and Naples following shortly after. USO locations in Italy quickly adapted, closing centers, and halting all major programming to adhere to the new safety guidelines. All USO military community programs transitioned to virtual programming, allowing service members and families to stay connected, even during the depths of lockdown.

As restrictions slowly lifted, USOs around the globe moved to a hybrid version of their weekly programming, and day by day they saw a sense of normalcy return. In Naples, Italy the USO Naples team started to bring back in-person programming and many service members and their families kept an eye out for their favorite USO events, eager to see a sense of their pre-covid life return. Out of the nearly 450 USO Naples programs offered in 2021, one was questioned about the most – Snack Attack.

This after-school program was a fan favorite for many military children, drawing in over 350 school-aged kids every week. Throughout 2020 and 2021, many parents and children reached out to the USO to ask, “When will Snack Attack come back?” Handwritten notes were sent to the USO Naples staff from children attending school on base, pleading to bring back the program. On February 24th, 2022, almost exactly two years after the program was halted, Snack Attack returned.

Children ran from their classrooms to the courtyard outside of the USO, excitedly meeting up with their friends along the way. A simple, yet nonetheless exciting, snack of cookies and juice was waiting for them at the USO cart served by an enthusiastic team of volunteers and staff. Laughter, positivity, and gratitude filled the air, just as it had two years before. This weekly program designed to extend the USO’s outreach to military children sees success not because of the complimentary snacks but the meaning and connection that comes with it. Children run around the courtyard with both new and old friends after receiving their snack, and teens gather along the perimeter, giggling and socializing about their day, all while parents meet up with fellow parents and watch their children play. These simple, yet vital connections made are what build the military community in Naples, making the fear of being stationed far away from home less daunting.

With each program, outreach, and event offered it is the USO’s goal to build and strengthen the military community. Programs like Snack Attack are living proof of how critical community-building events are, and truly showcase the USO’s mission of being a force behind the forces.