Military Families Relocated from Hurricane Melissa Find Support Through the USO

As one of the strongest storms to hit the Atlantic in 150 years tore through the Caribbean, nearly 900 American service members and their families quickly relocated from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to safety at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida. And without hesitating, the USO was by their side, offering support and comfort during a moment of profound uncertainty.

The relocation, prompted by the approach of Hurricane Melissa, displaced hundreds of military families who had little time to prepare, packing their essential belongings and pets before boarding a C-17 bound for Florida. In response, USO Florida staff and volunteers quickly mobilized, transforming the Pensacola USO Center into a place of relief and familiarity.

“The USO has been here every step of the way to make sure families feel supported and cared for,” said USO Florida Area Operations Manager Iris Santiago. “Many arrived with just a suitcase and the weight of uncertainty. Seeing our volunteers, partners and community come together so quickly shows exactly what the USO mission is about.”

Before the first plane landed, USO staff and volunteers had assembled 1,000 welcome bags filled with snacks, candy, coloring activities for kids and other comfort items. These gestures may seem small, but when faced with the uncertainty of having to leave your home behind at a moment’s notice, having this support can make a considerable difference to these military community members.

“It has been an all-hands effort,” said Iris. “From our volunteers to our corporate partners, everyone moved quickly to ensure these families didn’t feel alone. This is exactly what the USO stands for, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team and community.”

To provide these military families with much-needed rest, a place to connect with each other and the resources to check in with loved ones far away, USO Pensacola extended its operating hours and expanded programming throughout the week. Crucially, this includes family-friendly events, giving children space to play, and parents a moment to breathe.

“By early afternoon on Wednesday alone, we welcomed more than 300 service members and family members through our doors,” said USO Florida Executive Director Aaron Bowman. “We’ve also coordinated with base transportation and the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce to provide regular trolley stops, making it easier for families to access the USO and other key services across the installation.”

USO Florida’s response efforts extend beyond Pensacola. Mobile USO teams from Atlanta, North Carolina, and Virginia have been activated to deliver supplies, staffing and additional resources to sustain relief efforts. A USO Mobile canteen has also been deployed to serve breakfast each morning, offering a comforting start to the morning for those adjusting to temporary housing.

“Our job is to provide the reassurance, comfort and connection that military families need during times like these,” Aaron said. “When challenges arise, the USO rallies, that’s what we do best. We stand by our military community, ready to deploy wherever and whenever we’re needed.”

The outpouring of community support has been equally remarkable. USO partners – including Wawa, Lowe’s, PenAir Credit Union and Domino’s – have donated tens of thousands of dollars of food, beverages and supplies, reinforcing the collective effort behind the USO’s response.

“They’ve been incredible,” said Aaron. “Our community’s partners, including our local Veteran Support Organizations, have come forward to lend a hand. It warms my heart to know how many people are ready to help us take care of our service members and their families.”

For the families themselves, the USO’s presence has meant far more than just food or activities; it has provided an anchor of normalcy.

“I’m beyond impressed by their outpouring of love and support,” said U.S. Army Spc. James Catalfamo, a New York National Guard military policeman with the 206th Military Police Company. “In this time of need, you truly gave us a sense of family.”

The feeling was echoed by military spouse Jennifer Hatchell, whose husband is still located at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

“They’ve been extremely helpful, providing us with resources and clothes ever since we arrived,” said Jennifer, who relocated to NAS Pensacola with her two daughters and two pets. "We came out for breakfast, and it was one less stressful situation that we had to worry about. The USO understands where we’re coming from, so it was perfect."      

As this temporary relocation continues, the USO remains committed to standing by service members and families at every step of the way.

“Every contribution helps ensure the USO can continue to be there for our military community, whenever and wherever they need us most,” said Aaron.