JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - –
As the Higgs family prepares to fill their plates with turkey and stuffing, a buffet-style line of unfamiliar faces wraps into their dining room for food. The strangers are U.S. Army Soldiers attending Advanced Individual Training from Fort Eustis, Virginia. The Higgs family invited the Soldiers into their home as a part of the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia's "Adopt-A-Service member" program, hosted in the Hampton Roads area for more than 25 years.
"This program is a great way for the Soldiers who don't get to go home for the holidays to still be able to enjoy Thanksgiving with a local family," said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class David Howell, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 222nd Aviation Regiment, 128th Avn. Brigade AIT platoon sergeant. "It's a great way to boost their morale and to show them that what they do every day is appreciated."
More than 60 families from the local community signed up to "adopt" U.S. Service members for the day. Lee Higgs attributes his family ties with the military for their participation.
"I was in the Marines and my father was in the Army, so we've all had times when we couldn't make it home for the holidays," said Lee. "Military is supposed to be family no matter what, so we want to show them they have family here that supports them."
A total of 163 U.S. Soldiers from the 128th Aviation Brigade and Echo Company, 266th Quartermaster Battalion, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade, were invited to spend the day with a local family.
"I can't make it home this year for the holidays so it's nice to not have to spend it alone," said Pvt. Austin Haynes, 1st Btn., 222nd Avn. Rgt., 128th Avn. Bde. AIT student. "The family really made us feel welcomed and like we were appreciated."
This is the tenth year the Higgs family has participated in the program, bringing home anywhere between two and ten Service members each year.
"We've made lifelong friendships with some of the Service member's we have adopted in the past," said Kim. "Some of them have come back to help me put up the Christmas tree and spend New Years and birthdays with us. We keep in touch with most of them through Facebook, e-mails and phone calls."
The program welcomes new and returning families each year, with sign up beginning as early as July.
"There will always be Service members that can't make it home for the holidays," said Howell. "As long as these families are willing to welcome these Service members into their homes with open arms, we'll have Service members for them to add to their table setting on Thanksgiving Day each year."
For more information about the USO and the Adopt-A-Service member program, contact the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia at 878-2415.