Expecting Military Families in New Orleans Celebrated by the USO and the NFL During the Super Bowl Experience LIX

At the heart of this year’s Super Bowl Experience in New Orleans, the USO and NFL joined forces to celebrate expecting military families through the USO’s Special Delivery program. This program combines traditional baby shower festivities with community-building moments for military families who often face one of the most emotionally challenging periods of their lives – welcoming a child – while separated from their support networks.

For more than 55 years, the USO and the NFL have been steadfast partners, united in their mission to support the people who serve and their military families. What started as a collaboration to boost morale for deployed troops has grown into a deep and multifaceted partnership that extends across the globe, positively impacting military communities in many meaningful ways. Whether it’s through overseas tours, base visits or initiatives like the USO Special Delivery program, the NFL has stood alongside the USO in recognizing the sacrifices made by those who serve.

For many military families, pregnancy or preparing for an adoption is not just a time of joy, it’s a time of resilience. Expecting mothers, whether they are service members or military spouses, often find themselves navigating this time without the comfort of close family and friends. While most expectant parents back home are surrounded by loved ones during baby showers and doctor’s appointments, military families are often stationed hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away from their loved ones and communities.

Christina Melancon, a Coast Guard service member, understands this reality all too well.

“I have been surrounded by the military my entire life,” she shared. “Being a single mother by choice, I often feel like I’m on my own, but events like this remind me I’m not alone.”

Without a partner at home to share in the small yet significant moments of pregnancy, Christina found a sense of belonging at this USO Special Delivery event.

Separation from loved ones can be particularly difficult during the final months of pregnancy, or in the complicated process of adoption. Military spouses like Steffany Zapata, who attended the event, know this challenge firsthand.

“We are a blended family, and the USO has been there for us, creating moments of joy and support,“ she said. Despite the distance from extended family, Steffany and many others found comfort in meeting fellow military parents-to-be. Her advice to other military families was simple, yet profound: “Take it day by day.”

Military families must often get creative in how they maintain their connections to each other and loved ones, despite deployments and training schedules.

Alexandra Hessin shared that like many military families, she and her partner rely on phone calls and video chats to bridge the gap during long separations. They also lean on military support nonprofits, such as the USO.

“We use the USO on all our flights,” she said, reflecting on how the organization has been a constant presence in their lives.

The USO Special Delivery program, hosted both virtually and in person, was created to recognize and support military families facing these unique challenges. By combining baby shower games, inspiring guest speakers and meaningful giveaways, the event fosters a sense of belonging, helping new and expecting parents feel celebrated and supported. As one attendee put it, “Do not let your career or lack of a partner stop you from celebrating these milestones.”

This year’s partnership with the NFL amplified the program’s reach, bringing smiles to dozens of military families at the Super Bowl LIX Experience. The NFL’s commitment to service members and their families has only grown stronger over the years, with programs that extend beyond the field to provide real, tangible support to those who sacrifice so much. From hosting football camps for military children to bringing deployed troops home for surprise reunions, the NFL has remained a dedicated ally of the USO and the military community.

As a testament to this unwavering support, the NFL Foundation made a generous $50,000 contribution to the USO’s Special Delivery program during the event. This donation will help expand the program’s reach, ensuring that even more military families — whether stationed at home or abroad — can experience the warmth, support and sense of community that USO Special Delivery provides.

"We are incredibly grateful to the NFL Foundation for this generous donation and for their unwavering partnership over the past 55 years,” said Lindsey Fischetti, USO senior programs director for active duty and family programs.

“This contribution will have a direct and lasting impact on our expecting military families, helping us provide them with moments of joy, support and connection during such a special and sometimes challenging time in their lives. Together, we are making a difference, ensuring that no military family feels alone, no matter where they are in the world.”

Adding to the excitement, the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders and the team’s beloved mascot, K.C. Wolf, made a surprise appearance to interact with the families in attendance. The cheerleaders brought energy and smiles as they took photos with expectant parents and their children, while K.C. Wolf kept the crowd laughing with his playful antics. Their presence made the event even more memorable, creating a fun and festive atmosphere that left a lasting impression on the military families, many of whom will cherish these special moments for years to come.

As attendees departed, their arms filled with baby essentials and their hearts full of gratitude, the impact of the event was clear. For over five decades, the USO and NFL have not only shared a partnership but a purpose: to bring joy, connection and unwavering support to military families worldwide. The USO and NFL’s USO Special Delivery program didn’t just create a celebration, it built a community of hope, strength and connection for those who serve.