Photo By Sgt. William Hill | Soldiers enjoy popcorn and beverages while they watch a movie in the newly remodeled...... read more read more
CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ind. - Soldiers drinking soda, playing video games, watching movies and playing cards with friends does not sound like a high-speed military training facility, but more like a Saturday night at home.
That is exactly what the Indiana USO at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Centers was designed to replicate; home. Soldiers come from across the nation to train here, so after a long day of highly-intense training, Soldiers can relax and enjoy the amenities that they might have in their own home.
The USO facility here has been remodeled with four high-definition televisions that are used for gaming systems, a theater that can seat 28 Soldiers while they watch their favorite movies, 11 new computers and a reading room.
Rhonda Thompson, the center coordinator for the USO here, said she feels very passionate about the newly remodeled reading room.
Thompson said the reading room is similar to a child's play room, where Soldiers can be videotaped reading a children's book. The videotape and the book will be mailed to the Soldier's family, at no cost to the Soldier.
Thompson says the success of the USO is owed to the 230 volunteers that give more than just their free time, but also their talents and warm personalities.
"All these volunteers bring something different to the table, and they all will sit and listen and talk to the Soldiers," she said. "I am just amazed at how generous these volunteers are."
LeAnn Wurl, a volunteer for the USO here explains why she volunteers.
"Well, often Soldiers thank us for being here and doing this and they are amazed that we do, and I think to myself, 'what else can I do? '" Wurl said. "I feel it is an honor to work here to help them."
"I can't image how difficult it is, especially at this location, since it is a mobilization training center," Wurl said. "So when they arrive here, they know they are going to be shipped overseas, away from their families, so if this place can offer some kind of comfort and a place to relax then I am just proud to be part of it."
Spc. Jerome Norton, a deploying Soldier with the 328th Postal Services out of Louisiana, said he enjoyed the USO facility.
"This is the nicest USO I have ever been in," Norton, said. "This is the closest thing to being at home besides being at home."
Aside from providing beverages and a place to relax, the USO also schedules musical entertainment to provide free concerts here.
The USO has scheduled a concert lineup which hosted My Delia on May 15 and future acts include Open Road on June 25 and American Cheese on July 31. Food and beverages will be provided.
When it comes to the USO of Camp Atterbury, nothing is truer than the sign hanging there which reads, 'Home is where you are welcome.'
| Date Taken: | 05.08.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.26.2010 13:18 |
| Story ID: | 50313 |
| Location: | CAMP ATTERBURY, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 163 |
| Downloads: | 136 |
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