By 1st Lt. Connor Coombes

A cake is cut at the opening celebration of the Cavalry Corner. | Photo credit DVIDS/Sgt. LaShic Patterson

Thanks to donors like you, soldiers living on Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany, can say “auf wiedersehen” and to trekking 25 minutes to Grafenwoehr to enjoy free Wi-Fi and other recreational amenities, thanks to a new 24-hour facility opened by the 2d Cavalry Regiment, the USO and the American Red Cross.

Cavalry Corner aims to address a significant need for group recreational facilities for soldiers living in the barracks, many of whom are single and junior enlisted. Six out of 23 barracks in the community do not have a dayroom or the capacity to build a dayroom, the usual space where soldiers living in the barracks can socialize.

“I think this place is going to be great for soldiers simply because it gives them an alternative place to hang out from their barracks rooms, where they can socialize and meet new people,” said Spc. Elijah Tuten.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Burke, the senior enlisted advisor to the 2d Cavalry Regiment, raises the Cavalry Corner plaque during the grand opening of the facility in Vilseck, Germany on Jan. 31, 2020. | Photo credit DVIDS/Sgt. LaShic Patterson

Cavalry Corner features classic USO amenities, like big-screen TVs, dart boards, foosball, ping pong, pool tables and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Now, soldiers from on Rose Barracks in Vilseck won’t have to make a 25-minute commute to the nearby Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr, Germany, to utilize basic USO services.

Interestingly, Cavalry Corner takes the space that was previously occupied by the Stryker Inn, which served as a grab-and-go dining facility for meal cardholders. Through the Calvary Corner, 2CR leaders also intend to continue providing this beneficial grab-and-go service, while also implementing additional amenities and features.

In addition to recreational amenities and nutritional food services, the Cavalry Corner will also host unit family readiness group functions, such as potluck dinners.

“Cavalry Corner will definitely boost morale by providing a center for soldiers and families to come together and relax after a long day,” said Capt. Rodney Anderson, who served as a project manager for the renovation.

The grand opening for the Cavalry Corner took place on January 31, just in time for patrons to view the Super Bowl on the lounge’s T.V.

- This story originally appeared on DVIDShub.net. It has been edited for USO.org.