EDINBURGH, Ind. – Soldiers, civilians, staff and family members enjoyed facials, manicures, pedicures, massages and more at the USO Spa Day here, March 11, in the MWR Community Center building. These services could have been found at any one of several Indiana spas, but at Camp Atterbury’s Spa Day, they were provided completely free of charge.
Spa Day is a program the Camp Atterbury USO has been hosting periodically for the last three years in partnership with community volunteers. Students and instructors alike volunteered their time to come to Camp Atterbury and provide their services, as well as door prizes, to the military community in appreciation of the many sacrifices made by military personnel and their loved ones.
Susan Sears, board member with the Indiana USO, was in charge of Spa Day. Sears said, “It’s great to be able to do things like this, especially with all of the mobilizing troops that come through this installation. It’s a way to give back.”
For this Spa Day, waxing was offered for the first time. She said she was a little surprised at how well it was received.
“We expected a few of the wives to use it as well as female Soldiers getting ready to leave to maybe wanting to get a little waxing done before they left. What we are actually getting is a lot of the male soldiers, using it to fix their unibrows.”
Sgt. Russell Donivan, Hagerstown, Md., native and medic with 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry is currently redeploying here on his way home from Egypt. He said he had never seen anything like Spa Day ever offered by a USO.
“I wish they had something like this when I was coming home from Iraq,” said Donivan. “It is one heck of a welcome home.”
Alandra Bishop from Salem, Indiana and student at the Aveda Institute was giving manicures at the Spa Day. According to Bishop, she enjoyed the spa day as much as those who attended receiving services.
“I’m really enjoying it. I think it’s good to give back to the community,” said Bishop. “We just want to give these folks a way to relax and unwind from all their stress.”
The USO holds four Spa Days per year. Sears said that she looks forward to identifying the best day to hold their next Spa Day in the coming weeks.
“We may offer more services next time,” said Sears. “We are considering yoga as an option.”
For more information on how to participate in USO activities or to volunteer, go to www.uso.org