USO Naples Coffee Connections

There are many difficulties and challenges to be faced when in the position of a military spouse; and they are exacerbated when stationed overseas. Moving constantly every so often means that in addition to one’s surroundings and home changing, their friends and support group also have to change. The continual readjustment, possible culture shock, and introduction to a new environment can be intimidating, especially for first-time overseas families. These challenges are heightened even more when children are involved, as it calls for showing a brave face and guiding them through the change and emotions that come with it.

USO Naples understands how tough PCS-ing can be, and one of our goals is to ensure that our military families feel connected to home and can adapt to their new duty station. One of the core programs of the USO is Coffee Connections. This event is open to military spouses to have an opportunity to network, meet their neighbors, gather resources and advice, and make friends, all the while doing some kind of craft, game, or even listening to language lessons! It opens the floor to conversations, and results in long-lasting friendships and community building.

On Friday, October 21, 2022, USO Naples hosted their weekly Coffee Connections. USO staff and the spouses had the chance to introduce themselves and share a fun fact— their favorite Halloween costumes. We had a variety of answers, ranging from movie characters to inanimate objects. It is fall season, so there was autumn decor all-around with a special treat of pumpkin spiced lattes. The attendees talked about their stay in Naples and their favorite fall beverages, participated in silly mad libs games, and decorated expresso mugs in the most creative ways! There we over 25 military spouses in attendance, and the USO Team was thrilled to see everyone having a wonderful time. The room was full of chatter, laughter, exchanges of contact information, and invitations. What a way to start the holiday season! Through events such as these, the USO hopes that each and every spouse feels seen and knows that they have a whole community behind them to support and encourage them through stressful times of change.