USO Delivers First USO in a Box to AfghanistanTroops at FOB Shank Receive Special Memorial Day Gift

ARLINGTON, Va., May 25, 2009 – Troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shank, Afghanistan, will receive a special delivery on Memorial Day—the first USO in a Box. The USO in a Box program converts the expandable Tactical Operation Centers (TOC) used by the military into unmanned USO centers that can be trucked or heloed into austere operating environments, allowing the USO to continue delivering services and support to a highly mobile military serving in the most remote regions.

“As the American people pause to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety and security of our nation, it is important to also support our troops who make significant sacrifices every day” said Sloan Gibson, USO president. “While we can’t build a USO center everywhere the troops serve, the USO in a Box program allows us to deliver much of the goodness of a fixed center.”

Each unit features Internet access, two Dell ruggedized laptop computers, three 23-inch HD flat screen televisions, three Xbox® 360 video gaming systems and two voice-over-Internet phones. The movie theater area features a 42-inch HD flat screen television with a DVD player and Dolby® surround sound. Each unit also has a self-contained diesel generator and climate control system with heating and air conditioning.

Working with Michigan-based aviation support company AAR, the USO created the first three USO in a Box units for delivery to troops in Afghanistan. Easily setup to be operational in 20 minutes, the mobile nature of the USO in a Box program allows for quick movement from one location to another.

For more information on the USO and its programs, visit www.USO.org.

Through the past few months I have come to value the relationships I have made and the blessings of the life we live everyday. One of my dearest friends is Amy Gregario. Amy walked on behalf of "Team Rocky" (aka Carter:))for the March of Dimes. Thank you Amy for all you do everyday and for being such a good friend and blessing in my life. Here she is with her daughter Ali.

I am excited to be helping out with the American Heart Associations Recess at the Gym Day!!!!! I am sure I will have plenty of pictures to post!!!




Recess at the Gym Day of Plan:



What: Recess at the Gym is the finale to the inaugural Recess by the River program hosted by the American Heart Association with support from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, DC Parks and Recreation, National Association of Teen Fitness and Exercise, the Washington Redskins and DC Divas. The day will serve to reward up to 200 children who participated in the program by engaging in healthy activities from September through April. The program focuses on youth from Wards 7 and 8, which have the highest levels of childhood obesity in the nation.

The day’s activities include dance class, a nutrition seminar, an obstacle course with the DC Divas, strength training and a presentation of two Wii game systems to the Ward 7 and Ward 8 Rec Centers with the highest level of participation in the program.

Happy Belated Mothers to day to all!

I had a wonderful weekend. Saturday I volunteered for the Hearts Delight and Auction for the American Heart Association. The turnout was wonderful the the day was full of festivities. As usual, AHA of Greater Washington did an amazing job and was incredibly organized.




Sunday was Mothers Day, my first!!!! Carter is down to one liter on his oxygen and is doing well. I also had the honor of emceeing the Teen/Miss DC International Pageant. I had a wonderful time!

Congrats to the new title holders!