[caption id=“attachment_9449” align=“alignleft” width=“180”]Army Maj. Gen. (Ret.) James Mallory poses with former Statesville (N.C.) Woman's Club President Ellenora Barker - who served in the WAVES during World War II -- at the club's USO Barbecue for the Troops event May 16. Photo courtesy of the Statesville (N.C.) Woman's Club Army Maj. Gen. (Ret.) James Mallory poses with former Statesville (N.C.) Woman’s Club President Ellenora Barker at the club’s USO Barbecue for the Troops event May 16. Photo courtesy of the Statesville (N.C.) Woman’s Club[/caption]

They’re already firing up their grills in North Carolina for the USO’s Barbecue for the Troops campaign.

Statesville, N.C., was the site of the first official USO Barbecue for the Troops on May 16. The Statesville Woman’s Club raised $850 with their May 16 barbecue luncheon, which featured guest speaker Army Maj. Gen. (Ret) James Mallory.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to help out a great cause, show off our club’s patriotic spirit, and be a leader for our [General Federation of Women’s Clubs],” club president Fran Baker wrote in an email to the USO.

Click here to find out more about the USO’s Barbeque for the Troops campaign, including how to host your own event.

–Story by USO Story Development