7 Ways USO Fort Wainwright Makes Alaska's Winters Wonderful

By Sandi Moynihan

Life in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, is a balance of two extremes. In the height of summer, the inland base boasts over 21 hours of sunlight and daytime temperatures in the 70s. But during the winter solstice, the base gets just under four hours of sunlight, making the chilly single-digit temperatures particularly piercing.

Luckily, for military families on Fort Wainwright, the USO is always there to help them pass the time until warmer weather arrives.

Opened in late 2017, the new USO Fort Wainwright center boasts over 7,375 square feet of classic USO amenities, a state-of-the-art Wellness Center and innovative programs designed to entertain both single service members and military families.

While the possibilities are endless in this brand-new center, here’s just seven of the many ways USO Fort Wainwright provides military family members young and old connected to family, home and country during Alaska’s long winter months:

1. Wellness Center with Fenced-In Play Area

It’s no secret that the military community loves a good workout. But for many military family members, it can be hard to find the time to head to the gym, especially if they have small children who need supervision. That’s exactly why the USO built a Wellness Center with a fenced-in play area at the new Fort Wainwright location.

“At USO Fort Wainwright, I can work out on the equipment while my children work on school or play in the play area,” said Army spouse Krystal Butler.

In addition to featuring free weights, the Wellness Center has cardio equipment, medicine balls and even TRX bands.

2. Pancake Breakfasts

Who doesn’t love starting the day off right with a hot breakfast? Once a month, the USO Fort Wainwright team whips up a spread of all the best breakfast treats, including pancakes, sausage and more, all for free.

3. Midweek Movie Nights

Military family members looking to shake up their Netflix routine can head to the USO on Wednesdays for midweek movie nights. In addition to enjoying fresh popcorn, moviegoers can make new friends while watching new and old favorites, like Disney’s “Coco” or “The Notebook.”

4. Family Board Game Nights

While Alaska’s winter weather might be too chilly for lawn games, military families can have just has much fun indoors at the USO’s family game nights. Most recently, participants of all ages enjoyed playing life-size Jenga and Trouble.

5. Seasonal Events

While the winter months are long, cold and dark, they are also full of fun and exciting holidays to celebrate. In the few months that USO Fort Wainwright has been open, the center has hosted a variety of events, including a New Year’s Eve party, a Super Bowl party, a Valentine’s Day craft night, a couples cooking class and more.

6. Computers, Printers & Fast Internet Access

Today’s young service members are digital natives who rely on the internet to stay connected to family and friends. That’s exactly why USO Fort Wainwright has fast, reliable internet as well as other office staples like printers.

“I’m able to do online classes because the internet is faster,” said Army Pfc. Jimmy Lyles. “I also like that the volunteers are friendly, there’s always food, and it’s family oriented.”

7. A Home Away from Home

Most importantly, the new USO center is a home away from home for the thousands of military family members living far from close family and friends.

“It’s peaceful here. The facility is contemporary and clean. Inside the center, it doesn’t feel like you’re in Alaska or even inside an Army base,” said Army Spc. Anusuya Rajbhandari.

“Sometimes, you just need a break.”