USO of NC assists service members and their families coming back from Hurricane Florence

Making a comeback is hardly ever easy. After any disaster, life can feel like a long fight. It helps to have someone in your corner. Supporting service members and their families is the goal of the United Services Organization (USO) of North Carolina as they have conducted recovery efforts following the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

“We have been working in conjunction with NCServes to provide for National Guardsmen who have been working tirelessly in recovery efforts as well as the service members and families here in Jacksonville,” said Holly Coffer, USO of NC coastal area director.

Coffer highlighted that some areas around the base were without power for several days. The USO of NC and NCServes wanted to ensure the needs of service members were met and their morale stayed high amidst the disaster.

“We took items and meals to active-duty personnel and families in shelters aboard the base and for National Guard members stationed here in Jacksonville,” said Coffer. “The mission of the USO is to keep our military supported and keep the military and community connected. In these times, that is definitely important and we have been glad to be here serving.”

According to Coffer, the USO of NC has traveled around affected areas with its mobile center to serve military forces working as relief providers. The center has Wi-Fi, gaming stations, charging stations and other comfort items to boost the morale of service members and give them a needed break from the long shifts.

“The four NCServes Networks located in North Carolina are assisting active-duty, guard, reserve, veterans and their families by coordinating care between veterans and non-profit service providers,” said Retired Sgt.Maj. Paul Berry, NCServes Central Carolina Network director and programs manager. “Currently, the NCServes Coastal Network is being operated by the NCServes Western Network due to their building being damaged in Jacksonville. The current needs the networks are seeing are assistance requesting food, housing and shelter, utilities support, financial support, employment, counseling, legal assistance, transportation and health services.”

For more information on the USO of NC, call 455-3411. For more information on NCServes, visit www.coastal.americaserves.org.