USO Delaware unveils trailer at volunteer appreciation event

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Aaron J. Jenne
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  More than 30 USO Delaware volunteers and military members gathered for the unveiling of a new food trailer and volunteer appreciation event April 27, 2017, at the USO Delaware headquarters here.

Four local businesses – Healy Long & Jevin Construction, Ad-Craft Signs and Graphics, Waste Masters Solutions and Blue Hen Utility Services, Inc. – built and donated the finished trailer, which will replace the tents used by the organization for nearly 20 years.

“We’re proud to be here to celebrate our volunteers and to dedicate this new food trailer,” said Yolanda Bottorf, USO Delaware operations programs manager, at the unveiling. “I’m sure we all remember what it was like holding down tents at events, or working through rainy and cold weather. This trailer is going to be an awesome asset for the USO, not just for events, but also for outreach to our service members.”

The USO supports military members and their families by providing special programming, events and group support; connecting service members with their loved ones; and helping military members meet their goals as they transition out of the military and begin their civilian careers.

Locally, their volunteers attend more than 80 events annually and raise awareness for the needs of military members, Bottorf said.

“This newly unveiled trailer will stand boldly in front of thousands of Delawareans and service members this year,” Bottorf said. “We’re excited to see how we can use this to connect with our service members and community at large.”

The 26-foot trailer was used to serve meals at the event, and will shortly roll out in its first official capacity, distributing free concession food and drinks.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in getting this trailer ready for us,” said Bruce Kmiec, USO Delaware director. “They really took our ability to serve to the next level. The trailer looks great; everyone involved did an incredible job. Now we’re going to roll in with this trailer and really turn heads.”

For more information about upcoming USO Delaware events, visit https://delaware.uso.org/programs/entertainment-events.