KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The United Service Organizations team from Osan Air Base visited the men and women stationed here to deliver care packages Jan. 25.
The USO team handed out over 1,200 care packages at different locations throughout the base, starting at the dining facility and ending with a visit to the ammunitions flight. The team, along with volunteer Airmen from Osan, travel to Kunsan once a month to show everyone stationed here that they are not forgotten.
“The troops love it, it is amazing how a small gesture can go a long way,” said Hasret Jackson, 51st Fighter Wing USO field programs manager. “Young service members that have never really been away from home are especially grateful and it increases morale.”
Different events are held each time the USO office comes down to visit. This past holiday season, the team gifted Kunsan with holiday stockings as care packages. They also plan to hold a free barbeque in the upcoming spring.
“The USO at Osan always does a very good job supporting us here,” said Paul Willson, 8th Civil Engineering Squadron explosive ordnance disposal quality assurance non-commissioned officer in charge. “They come here just to show that the work that we all do is appreciated.”
Even though there are more than 200 USO locations located around the world, Kunsan is an unaccompanied base with no families and limited resources. It does not allow for a USO to be stationed here.
“The Osan USO shows a lot of interest in helping us here,” said Willson. “So far it’s been a really big deal, especially for members who are in our position.”
The USO keeps America's military members connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. It’s their job to adapt to the needs of the ones in uniform or even retired so that they can focus on their very important mission.