Soldiers at Fort Belvoir took advantage of a free home-cooked meal provided by the USO of Metropolitan Washington Friday afternoon at the USO Warrior and Family Center - Fort Belvoir.
The program, called Your USO Meal or Y.U.M., is designed to help Soldiers E-4 and lower. However, all active-duty or Reserve servicemembers and National Guard Soldiers are welcome to the lunches to get a home-cooked meal.
"A home-cooked meal may seem like a small gesture, but it's a comfort many active-duty military personnel sacrifice," said K. J. Stevens, USO programs coordinator. "We want to give them a little slice of feeling back at home."
Chicken noodle soup, bread and an assortment of cookies were served on Friday.
Meryl Turner, Woodlawn Village resident, prepared the meal and also cooked for the previous Y.U.M. event.
"A lot of single Soldiers don't get home-cooked meals," said Turner. "I like to provide one for them, since they don't have kitchens in the barracks.
Soldiers from the 911th Technical Rescue Engineer Company and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital were among those who took advantage of the free meal. They were happy to be able to "eat a legit meal" instead of fast food or a frozen dinner, according to Spc. Josh Bright, 911th Technical Rescue Engineer Company.
"We can't cook anything in the barracks," Bright said. "It's real food and it's free. Why not take advantage of it?"
Saving the Soldiers money and giving them a healthy meal is another goal of the program, according to Stevens.
"They end up eating take out regularly which is expensive and often unhealthy," said Stevens. "When they come to lunch or dinner here they are saving money, eating a balanced, healthy meal, and getting a chance to mix and mingle with other active-duty personnel."
Capt. Stephen Johnson, U.S. Army Element Troop Command South Commander enjoyed the experience because of the quality of the meal and the atmosphere at the center.
"The center is very inviting," said Johnson. "You can re-energize getting out of the office, plus the food is good."
Johnson said going off post for lunch can be expensive, plus dealing with traffic can be troublesome. The Warrior and Family Center is in a central location that won't hurt your wallet, according to Johnson.
"It's a great way to get Soldiers to see what the USO has to offer," said Johnson. "The USO has always been the home away from home for Soldiers."
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