Delta Children, Connection, Community, The Heartfelt Impact of the USO's Special Delivery Program

On a warm August afternoon at Fort Liberty, a sense of anticipation filled the air as expecting military spouses gathered at the Hercules Gym, Aug. 21, 2024. They weren’t just here for an ordinary event; they were about to receive something that symbolized more than just a piece of furniture.

These 500 baby cribs, to include mattresses and sheets, generously donated by Delta Children in partnership with the USO, represented safety, security, and the promise of a community that cares.

Rachel Taylor, now the Center Programs Manager for the USO at Fort Liberty, vividly remembers her own journey as a military spouse. “As a military spouse, when I first moved to Fort Bragg, now Fort Liberty, with my husband, I was 30 weeks pregnant, and my husband immediately left thereafter for training,” she recalls.

“While he was away, I attended a USO baby shower, and I felt so welcomed. The USO showed me compassion and empathy and connected me to fellow spouses that I otherwise wouldn’t have met.”

Rachel’s story is not uncommon among military families, where deployment and training often mean that significant life events, like the birth of a child, are experienced in solitude.

The USO’s Special Delivery Program at Fort Liberty, made possible by partners like Delta Children, is designed to change that narrative. It’s not just about the crib; it’s about creating a support system during one of the most vulnerable times in a parent’s life.

Joe Shamie, President of Delta Children, echoed this sentiment during the event. “Delta Children is honored to be donating over 2,000 nursery products to the military families at Fort Liberty. These men and women make tremendous sacrifices, and it is our privilege to support them with safe products for their children,” he said.

“Our ongoing commitment to military families is a reflection of our core values at Delta Children, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the future.”

For Rachel, the impact of the USO’s Special Delivery Program went beyond receiving a crib. It was about feeling seen and supported in a community that understood the unique challenges of military life.

Now, she gets to pay it forward by hosting these events for other expecting military spouses. “We are so grateful for Delta Children for their generous donations and helping improve the lives of our military families,” Rachel shared, her voice full of gratitude.

The crib distribution at Fort Liberty was more than just an event; it was a celebration of resilience, community, and the unbreakable bonds forged by shared experiences. Each crib handed out was a testament to the support that exists within the military community, a reminder that no one is truly alone in this journey.

“Having one child is expensive enough, but with another one on the way, the resources shared with us here today is a huge help and I’m grateful for the USO in setting this up for us,” said Staff Sgt. Shayne Godwin.

Through the USO’s Special Delivery Program, military families are not just receiving cribs—they are receiving the gift of connection and the reassurance that there is always a community ready to stand by them.

Special thanks to Old Dominion Freight Line, for supporting this event by graciously supplying three 28-foot trailers, that were stuffed to the brim with Delta Children nursery products, safely transporting them to the distribution site at Fort Liberty.