USO North Carolina

Bingo, Coffee Connections, Crafting and Conversations, Tots & Talks...oh my! There are many choices of programs to attend next week at our Seymour Johnson Center. We hope to see you at one (or all!) of these events.

Interested in a federal career? Join us for an exclusive Federal Resume Workshop on Monday, July 22 at 7pm ET. Led by Rudy Muriel, HR Specialist/Federal Recruiter, this 2-hour webinar will teach you how to create an impressive federal resume, develop your USAJobs profile, and navigate the federal hiring process. Register for your spot today! https://bit.ly/USOfederalresume

Tomorrow is the last day to stop by your local Harris Teeter to round up and “Support The People Who Serve.” Every dollar raised as part of the “Support The People Who Serve” campaign goes to the USO to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families.

USO x F45 Training
Join us for a FREE workout at F45 Training Midtown Wilmington!
The workout will be Saturday July 20th from 1030-1130am!
Be Prepared to get your Sweat on!
18+
Register here or with the QR code below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc82NYGY6crioQS9hYxNWzA5QNuOjrcYmrswBMzoLdV9gr-3Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

📣 Volunteer Shoutout! 📣

Join us in celebrating Jerry and Virginia March, our incredible Coastal volunteers of the month! Jerry and Virginia have been with us since October 2023, and have accumulated a total of 128 volunteer hours! 🎉

Jerry and Virginia’s dedication to serving our community and supporting our service members and their families is truly inspiring. Their unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives is truly commendable! 🇺🇸

Thank YOU Jerry and Virginia!

Ready to build your brand and network like a pro? Join the USO and Grifols for an exciting Building Your Brand Workshop on Thursday, July 18 at 11am ET. Learn how to establish your brand through effective networking, showcase your talents, and find the right career fit. Special focus on resources and career pathways for military spouses. Don't miss out. Register today! https://bit.ly/USOandGrifols

Wednesday, July 17th is National Hot Dog Day, and we are holding USO Camp Lejeune’s first ever Hotdog Eating Contest sponsored by Marine Federal Credit Union! 🌭🏆

Contestants will individually compete to see who can eat the most hotdogs in 10 minutes. Aside from the contest, we will also be hosting a hot dog lunch for service members and families! Stop by the USO for a hotdog, chips, and a soda or cool off with a snocone! 🍧🌭

Enjoy some Co****le and giant Connect-4 or kick back and cheer on your friends as they compete for the “Top Dog” trophy and bragging rights!

Who: USO Camp Lejeune
What: USO’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
Where: 417 L Street, Camp Lejeune
When: Wednesday, July 17th 1000-1400

Registration for Contest Required: https://northcarolina.uso.org/events/1769

Join USO Fort Liberty on July 16th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm for Military Spouse Slow Flow Yoga. This event is a slower-paced form of vinyasa yoga, incorporating a combination of traditional yoga poses that flow from one to the next and are often held for longer during the sequence and suitable for all fitness levels. https://bit.ly/4cyhcFL

📣Volunteer Shoutout Time📣

This month we are honored to recognize Rosa Ulmer for her commitment to the USO mission. Rosa was an integral part of supporting deployment outreach, showing up in the early hours of the morning two weekends in a row. She made sure that our military members felt supported and appreciated. Thank you so much Rosa! Our team is better because of you!

Are job interviews making you anxious? Preparation is the key to success! Join the USO and LKQ on July 16th at 7pm ET for a virtual workshop. Learn tips and techniques for interview preparation, what to do during the interview, and how to follow up effectively. This session is open to Active Duty, military spouses, National Guard and Reservists. Don't miss out - register today!! https://bit.ly/USOandLKQ

Unlock the secrets to LinkedIn success! Join the USO and Hire Military for an exclusive workshop on Thursday, July 11 at 7:00 PM ET, led by Michael Quinn, a 3x LinkedIn Top Voice. Elevate your LinkedIn game, expand your network, and accelerate your career growth. Secure your virtual spot today: https://bit.ly/USOJulLinkedIn

We are thrilled to announce Jerry and Nicole Boeshore as our Volunteers of the Month for June 2024 at USO Fort Liberty 🎉

Jerry and Nicole's dedication and proactive spirit shines brightly throughout the Sandhills area. They step by volunteering for supply runs for the Fayetteville Airport, bakery pickups and programs that needed extra support. You can always find them showing their incredible mission-first attitude. Whether it's filling gaps or supporting vital programs, Jerry and Nicole is always there with boundless energy and enthusiasm.
With their many years of service, Jerry and Nicole bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our mission. They're always full of jokes and smiles, constantly engages people in conversations about the USO, spreading our message far and wide. Jerry and Nicole selflessly collect and distribute donor supplies between Ft. Liberty and the airport. Both have a passion for engaging the troops flying in and out of the airport, they truly make it feel like a home away from home!

At USO Fort Liberty, we celebrate and support volunteers in all opportunities to fit your needs. Thank you, Jerry and Nicole, for your outstanding service and dedication! 🌟

Are you ready to take on a critical role in cybersecurity realm? Join the USO and the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Wednesday, July 10th at 11am ET. Learn about the agency's mission and career opportunities. Register now https://bit.ly/USOandCISA

Salute to Service Volleyball Tournament Benefiting the USO!

The USO is looking for two teams to compete in our upcoming Salute to the Military volleyball tournament on 6 July 2024 at 1500 at Capt’n Bill’s Volleyball Facility in Wilmington, NC. We are looking for one team of 4-6 Coed to participate.

Register by using the QR code on the flyer below.

🦖🦕🎉 June's SJAFB Mil Kid Lego Club: Dinosaur Edition was a ROAR-ing Success! 🎉🦕🦖

Hey Mil Kids and Parents! 🌟

A HUGE thank you to everyone who joined us for the Mil Kid Lego Club: Dinosaur Edition! 🦖🌋🦕

We had an incredible time building epic dinosaur scenes and watching your creativity come to life. From T-Rex towers to Triceratops terrains, every creation was truly dino-mite! 🦴🧩

Highlights from the Event:
Engaging Lego building activities that brought out everyone's inner paleontologist.
Exciting dinosaur-themed challenges that had us all on our toes.
New friendships formed and wonderful memories made.

We loved seeing the joy and imagination in every participant. Thank you for making this event a roaring success! 🌟

Don't miss our next Mil Kid Lego Club event—more fun and creativity await! 🧱



🦖🧱 Keep building and stay creative! 🧱🦕

Want to future-proof your career? Join us for a webinar with the USO Transitions team on Monday, July 8th at 11am ET and explore educational opportunities. From free online courses, digital badges, and professional certificates, we'll provide the support to help you thrive in any field. Register now https://bit.ly/JulEdKickstart

Meet our USO volunteers Alex and Kelly. You can always find Alex and Kelly with a smile on their faces and eagerness to help in their personality! Did you know that less than 1% of our population steps up to defend our freedoms? Did you know that many of these young men and women are not familiar with the USO? By joining the USO volunteer team, you have the opportunity to thank them for their commitment and to let them know to always look for a USO at airports and installations. Join our fantastic team by signing up at www.volunteers.uso.org

Thank you to the American Legion Department of North Carolina, MoonPie and all of the generous donor’s that participated in the MoonPie fundraiser for collecting these fantastic Patriotic Pies for our Service Members! In processing troops we’re excited to be welcomed to Fort Liberty with your sweet treats!

Black service members have played invaluable roles in the U.S. military since the American Revolutionary War and today, continue to serve honorably and bravely in all branches of the Armed Forces.

Black service members have had to overcome immeasurable odds throughout their hundreds of years of service. Even as they served their country, many faced discrimination and segregation.

The USO has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting all those who serve in the U.S. military – regardless of race – since 1941.

Here are 19 stories of Black military history and these courageous service members to celebrate Juneteenth.

19 Stories of Black U.S. Military History to Celebrate Juneteenth Black service members have played crucial roles in the U.S. Armed Forces since the American Revolutionary War, and they continue to pave the way in today’s military. Here are 19 stories of Black U.S. military history to celebrate Juneteenth.

Looking for a way to show your appreciation for our military? Visit your local Harris Teeter store today and round up to the nearest whole dollar at checkout to help strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families.

We are proud to announce Julia Frey as the Volunteer of the Quarter for the SJAFB USO. Julia's dedication and commitment to supporting our service members have been truly exemplary. In less than a year of volunteering, she has already contributed an impressive 135 hours of her time.

Julia has been an indispensable part of our team, particularly noted for her willingness to assist with deployments, even at incredibly early hours. Her cheerful presence and tireless work ethic have made a significant impact on the morale and well-being of our troops. She has participated in three major deployments, consistently going above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly. Her reliability and enthusiasm have earned her the admiration and gratitude of both her fellow volunteers and the service members she supports.

In addition to her hands-on contributions, Julie has taken on a mentorship role for new volunteers. She generously shares her knowledge and experience, helping them navigate their responsibilities and inspiring them with her passion for the USO's mission. Her mentorship has been instrumental in fostering a supportive and effective volunteer community.

Julia is also a dedicated advocate for the USO mission, continuously promoting our cause and encouraging others to get involved. Her advocacy efforts have brought greater awareness and support to our programs, furthering our ability to serve those who serve our country.

We are incredibly grateful for Julia's contributions and proud to honor her as the Volunteer of the Quarter. Her dedication embodies the spirit of the USO, and we look forward to her continued involvement and the positive difference she will undoubtedly continue to make.

Thank you, Julia, for your unwavering support, outstanding service, and inspirational leadership.

Tune in Friday, June 21, at 3:00pm EST to watch service members and military spouses have a live discussion with stars of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Joseph Gordon-Levitt & Kevin Bacon. Register here: bit.ly/USOAxelF

Ready to make a lasting impression on LinkedIn? Join the USO and Hire Military for an exclusive Employment Workshop on June 20 at 11:00 AM EST, featuring Michael Quinn, a LinkedIn expert. Learn how to optimize your profile, expand your network, and unlock new career opportunities. Register now! https://brnw.ch/21wKKxa

Little Sluggers, this special event is just for you!

Join us for an afternoon of fun with Team USA Alum Anna Kimbrell for a free baseball clinic. Milkids in attendance will learn the basic fundamentals of throwing, catching, base running, hitting, and fielding! This event is for military children ages 6-12.
This is not a drop-off event. At least 1 parent must be present with their children at all times. No prior baseball experience necessary!
Two sessions available based on age! If you have children in multiple age groups, please submit a separate registration for each session.
Session 1: Ages 6-9, 1pm - 3pm
https://register.uso.org/en/4111BMB7/ak9-salute-to-the-troops-baseball-clinic-ages-6-9-june-21-2024-4a3IQKLPkz/overview
Session 2: Ages 10-12, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
https://register.uso.org/en/4111BMB7/ak9-salute-to-the-troops-baseball-clinic-ages-10-12-june-21-2024-4a3IQKLPrR/overview
All equipment will be provided! Kiddos are more than welcome to bring their own bats, gloves, and wear their favorite baseball gear.

Looking to craft a winning resume? Join us for an interactive Resume Workshop with Hire Heroes USA on June 18 at 11:00 AM EST. Gain valuable insights, learn resume essentials, and elevate your job search! Register today! https://brnw.ch/21wKIWo

Congrats to our tiniest of grads! USO Fort Liberty celebrated our children who recently graduated from Pre-K and Kindergarten here in the Sandhills. Certificates, crafts and delicious cupcakes! Hats off to you and all of your amazing accomplishments! 🎓

A huge congratulations to Kris Gantenbein for receiving the prestigious Governor's Service Award! With over 500 hours of dedicated volunteer service to the USO, Kris's commitment and selflessness have made a tremendous impact on our community and the lives of countless service members and their families.

🍼👶🏻Red, White and Due 👶🏻🍼

❤️🤍💙

The USO NC Sandhills Area had a wonderful day celebrating new and expecting military parents at their Special Delivery Baby Shower on Saturday, June 8th, in Fort Liberty, NC!

New parents and parents-to-be were treated to a fun filled afternoon of fun games like “Find that Mom” blackout bingo to help encourage building a support system, and help reinforce to all the new moms/moms-to-be that they are not alone in this journey. The room was filled with lots of laughter, excitement and even a little friendly competition as they met other women going through similar things ❤️

Thank you Armed Services YMCA - Fort Liberty, NC and the Fort Liberty WIC location for joining us and sharing some great resources and amazing baby bundles with the attendees.

An extra special THANK YOU to Infantino for their generous donation of 3-in-Activity Gym & Play Mats for everyone's new bundle of joy, and to our incredible volunteers for all their help! 👏

Can you guess who the Piedmont Volunteer of the Month is for December?? We couldn't think of anyone better than our own (Santa) Blu Walsh!

Aside with December being his busiest month with participating in Piedmont Area events Toys For Our Troops, Snowball Express and Exodus (and other unit holiday support requests), Blu has been an awesome regular Friday afternoon volunteer. Thank you and Cheers to you, Blu!!