A Thanks-Filled November with USO Naples

Being away for the holidays can be hard and no one knows this better than our dedicated service members. With familial comforts and the conveniences of home out of reach, USO Naples put itself to the task to create a month of memorable Thanksgiving-filled programming. Showing gratitude to the Sailors, Soldiers, and Marines with over 30 booths, events, and pop-ups, the two that filled our service members with the most holiday spirit were USO Naples’s Thanks-filled Luncheon and Thanksgiving Day Lunch.

On November 17th, a festive, thanks-filled atmosphere filled NSA Naples Capodichino base in anticipation of USO Naples’s annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. Active-duty service members of all commands, departments, and ranks gathered to enjoy a delightful, homemade Thanksgiving lunch; filled to the brim with American comfort food and camaraderie-building activities. Before digging in though, our service members were treated to a moving speech by the Executive Officer, NSA Naples Ed Chandler, and Command Master Chief, NSA Naples Jonathan Fields which touched upon the sacrifices service members make to our nation. With wide smiles and wider waistlines, after enjoying a good home-cooked meal, the 180 Sailors who stopped by truly felt the impact and gratitude from their community.

This impactful event was followed the next week on November 24th, 2022, by USO Naples’s Thanksgiving Day Lunch for single and unaccompanied Sailors. The morning was kicked off by USO volunteers who distributed delicious, homemade holiday cookies to the Bachelor Quarters, inviting all eligible participants to the event. That afternoon, Sailors were welcomed at O'Rhy’s pub by Admiral Stuart Munsch - Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe/Africa/Commander, Allied Joint Forces Command, Rear Admiral Brad Collins - Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central/Commander, Maritime Air Forces, CAPT James Stewart, Commanding Officer, NSA Naples and CMDCM Jonathan Fields, Command Master Chief, NSA Naples and with the smell of freshly roasted turkeys, buttery mashed potatoes, herbaceous stuffing, and more. USO staff and volunteers, alongside area military leadership, lined up to serve a feast to this hungry group. Jokes, exchanges of laughter, and words of gratitude filled the air, as Sailors sat together with friends new and old, and relaxed with ample food to celebrate the holiday; they were also treated to extraordinary giveaways, raffles, and games!

The service member’s wide smiles and words of appreciation are a true testament to the gratitude and appreciation they felt from their community and USO this holiday season.