USO Kadena Celebrates Thanksgiving with Deployed Unit

Thanksgiving, a holiday for celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the year. In short, giving thanks. Celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November, it is traditionally a day where loved ones connect over delicious meals and nostalgic memories. For staff and volunteers at USO Kadena, it was a chance to show appreciation for a unit deployed away from home.

Based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island just north of Seattle, Washington, the U.S. Navy Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134 has been deployed in the Pacific region since June. As they near the end of their tour, the squadron wanted to come together in celebration and fellowship. What better place than a USO center?

On Wednesday, November 27, the USO Kadena staff and volunteers hosted almost 230 men and women from VAQ 134 for a Thanksgiving meal reminiscent of back home. Whether it was ham or turkey, mashed or sweet potatoes or even pumpkin or apple pie, the atmosphere rivaled a grandparent’s house. At one point, even “Happy Birthday” rang out around the hall in honor of one of their own.

“It’s like a little piece of home,” stated Lt. j.g. Daniel Granados. “It’s nice to have a place of familiarity, and to know we have a place that we are welcome and can just spend time together.”

In addition to the meal, the service members also enjoyed the center’s ping pong table, movie room, gaming consoles and, of course, the Wi-Fi. Citing technology issues throughout the deployment, USO centers have been important when it comes to staying connected.

In this season of giving thanks, here’s a special one to the men and women of VAQ 134 as well as all those currently away from family and friends across the world. Sending our love this holiday season.

“It meant a lot to give people who are away from home and deployed from their home base, a place to eat a home cooked meal, play games and celebrate each other,” expressed USO Kadena Center Operations Specialist Taylor Inmon.