USO Delivers Holiday Cheer to Thousands of Soldiers Heading Home for the Holidays

For thousands of young Americans training at U.S. Army installations across the country, the holiday season offers a rare chance to reconnect with loved ones. This year, during the time-honored Holiday Block Leave, more than 35,000 soldiers from 20 installations traveled home by planes, trains, buses, and cars to spend time with family.

In the Southeast, the heart of this effort was Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where over 11,000 soldiers passed through en route to their holiday destinations. USO Georgia staff and volunteers worked around the clock, ensuring these service members had comfort and care during their journey.

In South Carolina, USO staff and volunteers at Columbia Metropolitan Airport worked tirelessly to assist soldiers departing from Fort Jackson, the nation’s largest Army Initial Entry Training Center. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, USO teams at Charlotte Douglas International Airport also ensured smooth connections for soldiers traveling to their final destinations.

“Supporting the thousands of soldiers who travel through our airport on their way home for the holidays is a time-honored tradition for our USO Georgia team, and we are grateful to support them each year,” said Mary Lou Austin, Executive Director for USO Georgia. “It’s a privilege to be part of their journey and provide a warm welcome during the holidays.”

Delta Airlines: A Longtime Partner in Support

Delta Airlines has been instrumental in supporting the USO’s mission for years, and this Holiday Block Leave was no exception. A team of Delta volunteers joined the effort at Atlanta’s airport, offering their time and energy to ensure soldiers had a seamless travel experience.

“Delta Airlines has been a steadfast supporter of the USO and our service members,” Austin said. “Their dedication to helping us create a welcoming environment during one of the busiest travel seasons is invaluable.”

A Journey Home Made Special by the USO

At Hartsfield-Jackson, the USO provided soldiers with snacks, travel goodie bags, and a welcoming atmosphere to help ease the stress of holiday travel. Adding a special touch to this year’s efforts was Normandy, a Great Pyrenees and member of the USO Canine Program, who offered soldiers a comforting presence as they prepared for their flights.

“The journey home may be long, but the USO makes it easier,” said Pfc. Tyra Pisimaka, who was traveling to Hawaii. “Normandy made my day—just having a moment with him reminded me of my dog back home.”

Normandy’s calming presence, along with the support from volunteers and staff, ensured soldiers felt valued and cared for during their time at the airport.

Bank of America and Community Support

Bank of America played a key role in this year’s Holiday Block Leave efforts, with employees contributing more than 1,600 care packages for soldiers traveling through Atlanta. Volunteers also dedicated their time to creating a festive and supportive environment for the soldiers.

“As a veteran, it’s incredibly meaningful to be here for these soldiers,” said Beatrice Williams, co-chair of Bank of America Atlanta’s Military Support and Assistance Group. “It’s a small way to show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice.”

A Lifeline During Uncertain Times

With more than 100,000 U.S. troops stationed overseas in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, opportunities like Holiday Block Leave provide a vital respite for soldiers and their families. For many, this marks their first time home in months and a chance to recharge before resuming their training or deployments.

“I can’t wait to get home and see my family,” said Pvt. Samuel Vasquez, heading to San Diego, California. “It’s been months since I’ve seen them, and I’ve been looking forward to my dad’s tri-tip. Seeing the USO here, and even meeting Normandy, makes me feel like I’m already halfway home.”

As soldiers return to training in January, the USO remains dedicated to supporting them every step of the way. Whether it’s through a warm meal, a goodie bag, or the wag of a friendly tail, the USO ensures service members feel connected to home – especially during the holidays.