FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -It was a night of music, laughter and dancing, (the children danced); but the highlight of the USO show had to be the fellowship among friends, old and new. More than 50 Survivor Outreach Services members and SOS friends formed a sea of bonny blue in their new SOS t-shirts during the Gary Sinise and Lt Dan Band concert at Eielson Air Force Base.
No thunder rolled that Saturday evening and the weather cooperated outside the hangar known as the Thunderdome as more than 1,200 Soldiers, airmen, families and civilians turned out to hear the concert and perhaps meet Gary Sinise and the band members.
Before the show, USO crew, band members and the Triwest event sponsor carved a few hours out of their tight travel schedule to meet Soldiers preparing for their next deployment at Fort Wainwright off-site firing ranges in Alaska's Interior. Gary Sinise also invited military and family members to join him on stage during the concert. The band played popular music from several genres, offering something for just about everyone.
The concert went well, said SOS manager, Michelle Benjamin. Everyone had a great time, enjoyed themselves and got to meet Gary Sinise.
While primarily established for family members who have lost a Soldier in wartime, the SOS program welcomes all families who've suffered the loss of a military member from any branch, at any time, peace or war, regardless of circumstance.
SOS participants are encouraged to join in social programs and outings such as the USO show, Benjamin said. "You can relax and have fun and still support one another."
From survivors to volunteers and staff, "Everyone enjoyed the evening," Benjamin said. "It's really about them," she said of her SOS clients.
The SOS program was able to offer transportation and the group outing because of leader support and volunteers, she said.
Benjamin facilitates monthly survivor meetings and invites professionals from on and off post helping agencies to speak and provide materials during her meetings. Perhaps most important, Benjamin explains, is the way survivors come together to help one another.
"It's the shared survivors' experiences," she explained, "To hear each other's stories and comfort one another in a way no one else can. The camaraderie is special because they can benefit one another with a unique understanding.
The support from the ACS staff, leadership, the 1-25th Stryker Brigade and MEDDAC," Benjamin said, "made the event happen. All of our volunteers ensured the event went on successfully."
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