Tag Archives: USO Mobile

The USO and Iron Skillet® Restaurants Dish Up BBQ to Benefit The Troops

Who’s hungry? Iron Skillet® Restaurants located at participating Petro Stopping Centers nationwide are providing customers with a sticky but delicious opportunity this summer with the “BBQ Double Up Deal.” This delicious deal is geared to raise funds to support the troops through USO and the Mobile USO program. Petro Stopping Centers is the premier travel center brand owned and operated by TravelCenters of America LLC.

“We feel honored to be able to give back to the troops who have given so much to ensure our freedom and security,” said John Ponczoch, Senior Vice President of Restaurant Operations. “The Mobile USO program is a passion of ours as we understand just how much a ‘touch of home’ can impact the spirits of these fine men and women.”

The promotion runs while supplies last at all participating locations. To participate in the deal, customers may pair one of the 12-featured entrees with mouth-watering BBQ ribs. With each “BBQ Double Up Deal” purchased, $1 will be donated to the Mobile USO program, up to $35,000!  Also during this period, with a purchase of an adult entrée, kids 10 and under eat free at all participating locations (see details below).

“We are excited about the Iron Skillet® Restaurants promotion to benefit the troops through our Mobile USO program,” said Sloan Gibson, the USO’s president and CEO. “We appreciate their commitment to connecting the nation to our mission of serving the troops and their families.”

Since 2007, the Mobile USO program has supported troops serving in remote and isolated areas throughout the U.S., these vehicles offer a comfortable place where service members can relax and connect online with family and friends during their downtime. Each Mobile USO is outfitted with laptops, refrigerators, microwaves, high definition televisions, video game consoles, Wi-Fi access and comfortable seating.

USO Naples’ “Got Talent,” a Visit from the Mobile Canteen, and a Chili Dinner at the Warrior Center!

On February 26, USO Naples – with support from United Airlines – hosted a talent show – and did the talent come out in force!  The winners received two round-trip tickets to anywhere in the US.  Check out the coverage from AFN:

USO Kaiserslautern was at the Ramstein Commissary on Saturday March 20 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm with the Mobile canteen to support the commissary’s “March Madness Club Pack Sale” and show appreciation to the Kaiserslautern Military Community.  Thanks to the generosity of DeCA and other sponsors, USO Kaiserslautern gave out free hot dogs, chips, popcorn, drinks, cookies, books and magazines to more than 800 loyal customers. USO volunteers and staff handed out children’s DVDs and small toys to each child that was present. The event was very successful with smiling faces and donations to support the Troops.

Learn more about our USO Mobile Program!

Military families line up at the USO Mobile canteen for snacks, courtesy of USO Kaiserslautern.

On March 21, the USO Warrior Center hosted three amazing chefs from the States. Blake Powers from Soldiers’ Angels and the ladies from Yellow Bowl Bakery, Molly Greenwood and Katy Gunderson (Manager of Operations/Founder of Bakers without Borders) prepared an awesome Chili and Dessert Dinner for 125 wounded warriors.

The wounded warriors were very impressed by the spread the chefs prepared.  One wounded warrior asked the chefs who cooked the desserts, when Molly and Katy replied that they both made them he said, “I know that it’s illegal, but I would love to marry both of you!”

This was an awesome night with wonderful food and great company.  The USO Warrior Center would like to give a very special thank you to Blake, Molly, and Katy for coming out and cooking for the wounded.

(L to R) Chefs Blake "Laughing Wolf" Powers, Katy Gunerson, and Molly Greenwood show of their certificates with Melissa Parkins of the USO Warrior Center