By Joseph Andrew Lee
Family time is hard to come by in the military.
So when USO Las Vegas offered military families in Nevada and Southern California a free four-day staycation at the Aria on the Las Vegas strip, the response was overwhelming.
“A national-level sponsor donated a large number of rooms and within one day we had over 300 rooms booked with over 200 people on the waiting list,” said Sara Bell, USO Las Vegas’ operations and programs manager.
In total, 336 young military families ranked E-6 and below – who both represent and protect our great nation – were treated to a four-night stay with free breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
A pair of 20-something couples from Camp Pendleton, Calif., began making plans immediately, visibly excited to get away for the weekend, leaving kids with family to enjoy the week on the strip together as friends. When asked about their plans:
“We’re just looking forward to sleeping in with no kids.”
A young father stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada bounced his baby girl in his arms and boasted about it being his first Father’s Day.
“This is a nice little getaway,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my first Father’s Day. Thank you, USO!”
Service members’ names have been intentionally withheld from this story.
Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.
