December at USO Fort Campbell: A Season of Connection, Cheer, and Community

December at the USO is always special, but this year, our centers truly came alive with holiday magic, laughter, and meaningful moments shared with the military families and service members we are honored to serve. From festive fun runs to ugly sweater unit rucks, and cozy breakfasts to creative workshops and heartwarming surprises, the USO holidays were filled with connection, joy, and a whole lot of cheer.

The season kicked off with Santa’s Breakfast, where military families gathered for a cozy morning of pancakes, syrup, and smiles. Children and parents alike sipped hot cocoa, created festive crafts, and posed for photos with Santa himself, adding extra sparkle to the season. Families also enjoyed a holiday book giveaway, ensuring everyone went home with a new story to share together. Thanks to our many volunteers, including our friends at the Christian County Military Affairs Committee, this magical morning truly felt like a village of elves coming together to serve.

Creativity and connection were front and center all month long. Our Elves’ Workshop transformed the USO into a tiny corner of the North Pole, where imaginations ran wild over crafts, cocoa mugs clinked, and laughter filled the room. Military spouses also gathered for Coffee Connections during USO Cookie Week, enjoying a cookie decorating class led by one of our talented volunteers. It was a sweet afternoon of creativity, conversation, and community, exactly what the season is all about and what we strive for at the USO.

One of the most tail-wagging highlights of the month was Santa Paws. Our furry friends stopped by to decorate homemade dog cookies (with a little help from their humans), raid the treat bar, and pick up festive stockings. And of course, there were photos with Santa. Some were perfectly posed, others delightfully chaotic. Celebrating our military families includes honoring their four-legged family members, and Santa Paws did just that.

Mid-month, the USO partnered once again with Lowe’s Home Improvement for the second annual Lowe’s Holiday Lunch at Fort Campbell. More than 60 Lowe’s volunteers served 700 service members a warm holiday meal and provided thousands of dollars in drawing prizes. Dozens of Soldiers received early Christmas gifts courtesy of Lowe’s and Carhartt. This event was especially meaningful as we honored the legacy of Nathan Clark, whose steadfast love for the USO and military community made this tradition possible. His impact continues to be felt deeply.

Our holiday spirit didn’t stop there. USO elves spread cheer beyond our walls, visiting the Coast Guard MSU station in Kentucky, The Naval base in Millington TN, and supported the Chippewa Coast Guard Cutter on the Mississippi River with donuts, coffee, and exclusive USO holiday care kits. These small gestures mean a great deal to those serving far from home and not close to a physical USO center.

Families then laced up their sneakers for the inaugural USO Holly Jolly Hustle 2-Mile Fun Run. Seeing military families out on the course followed by time spent in Santa’s Village was the perfect blend of movement and merriment. After the run, families enjoyed crafts, cookies, and delicious hot chocolate provided by Operation Giving Trees. We’re incredibly grateful to our partners APSU Military & Veterans Affairs Division, GEICO Daniel Ingram Insurance (and the Gecko!), the Christian County Military Affairs Committee, Sykes Funeral Home, Greenhouse management and Chandler Walters, and our dedicated USO volunteers for making this first-ever 2-Mile Fun Run event such a success.

To close out the season, the USO Fort Campbell center transformed into the Snowflake Lodge for a festive Holiday Mystery Dinner. Guests enjoyed an evening of intrigue and entertainment thanks to Nikki with “Take A Leap Acting, Dance & Improv,” who produced and directed the show. USO volunteers took on roles as actors, while others worked behind the scenes to set up, serve dinner, and create the magic that made the night unforgettable.

Throughout December, one thing remained constant: the incredible support of our volunteers, partners, and donors, all bringing joy of serving to those who serve. This holiday season reminded us that the USO is more than a place; it’s a community. We’re grateful for every moment shared and look forward to creating even more memories together in the year ahead.