When people think about moving to Naples, Italy, they dream about the pizza, the gelato and the incredible pasta ... but while all of those are part of life in Naples, the reality of life abroad can be challenging for military spouses like Erika.
Erika, who moved abroad when her husband was stationed in Naples, says, "I thought I would enjoy the time off after quitting my job to move, but I have found I need to feel productive and need to keep my mind moving. It really took a toll on my mental health and emotional well-being about a month after we moved here."
An overseas move means adjusting to new places, customs and a new language — all without the support that being close to family and friends offers. For many military spouses, it often means starting over professionally. This can be isolating, which is why the USO provides programs and resources supporting military families, spouses and active-duty service members.
Thankfully, Erika found purpose and community through volunteering at the USO Center on base. In the last year, she's helped with holiday events, weekly programming and expeditionary opportunities like supporting visiting ships and other bases in the area. And she became the lead volunteer for Patriot Express flights, which transport service members and their families as they move overseas.
Erika brings to life so many of our values at the USO: She connects with all of the troops and military families she serves, cheerfully welcomes new volunteers with open arms and brings them into the USO family. She says, "An act of service is the most impactful work you can do, not only for the receiver, but [also] for yourself emotionally and mentally. It is a form of gratitude and fills your heart."
We hope you've found Erika's story inspiring, and we thank you for everything you do to help service members, military spouses and their families find support and build connections.
The USO
United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO) is a nonprofit 501(ϲ)(3) organization (EIN/Tax ID: 13-1610451) and not part of the Department of Defense (DOD). The appearance of DOD visual information does not imply or constitute DOD endorsement.
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