Fort Moore USO hosts inaugural Independence Day celebration

FORT MOORE, Ga. ( WRBL ) — In February, the USO at U.S. Army post Fort Moore opened its doors for the first time. This week, it hosted its inaugural Independence Day celebration.

Active servicemembers, veterans, military spouses and families came together to celebrate the Fourth of July. The significance of the day was not lost on those who were there.

“My dad was deployed, my uncle was deployed,” said Pvt. 1st Class Gavin Finniff, a Marine who attended the celebration. He added, “That’s why I joined, is because I wanted to also help out, do my part.”

While the USO center at Fort Moore is new, the USO has been helping servicemembers and their families since 1941. It is the nation’s leading non-profit organization supporting the men and women in the U.S. military and families during their time in the uniform.

At Fort Moore, USO Center Operations Manager Jazmine Murphy aims to create a sense of family and community on post.

“This is home for them… when they know when they come in, they’re going to have open arms,” Murphy said. “They’re going to understand what’s happening here. We understand what they’re going through.”

With a playroom, a game room, events and more, military spouse Michelle Robison thinks the Fort Moore USO has achieved just that.

“The reason I like coming to the USO is the family atmosphere. Like, I always feel welcome,” said Robinson. “Everyone’s excited. They remember you when you come in.”

Robinson added coming to the USO is “easy” for her family. She appreciates that it is always set up with activities for her young children to enjoy.

Finniff, who had experience with USO centers on other U.S. military posts from young age, also showed his appreciation for the USO.

“The USO means a lot. I come from a military background. I was born on a Marine Corps base, so I’ve had multiple experiences with them,” Finniff said. “They care about the families that are on base.”

As the nation pauses to reflect on the freedoms of the country, Robinson acknowledged the service and sacrifice of servicemembers and military families.

“To the soldiers. I just want to thank them for their service,” Robinson said, as she sat surrounded by her family at the USO’s Independence Day celebration.

She added, “My husband’s active duty and what he does on a daily basis affects the family. So the fact that they go and risk their lives to do all this and protect our country is worthwhile.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.