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PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 7 FORT CAMPBELL KY
A look inside...
Work From Home
Month of the Military Child
Easter Breakfast Recipes
Easter Basket Ideas
Deployment Survival Tips
Military History Symposium
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Editor Alex Zapetis
Contributors Dave Marshall CynDe Clack Clare Saum
Publisher Creative ink
Creative Director Sears Hallett
Advertising Kristi Williams 270-484-0463 kristi@creativeinktn.com
Photography http://www.mixthatdrink.com Dreamstime Photo pg: Cover, 5, 6, 7, 11, 13, 20, 25 unsplash photo pg: 11 Discovery Park of America
Hello Everyone, I hope everyone is excited about April! April weather is always one of my favorites. I am super excited about this issue because we get to discuss working from home, Easter fun, and tips for surviving deployment. I hope that this issue is helpful and educational for all of you. This issue also has some delicious Easter breakfast recipes for you to try out as well. Keep being amazing, and I can't wait to see you all next month.
Alex Zapetis, Editor alex@creativeinktn.com
Like us and share on Facebook facebook.com/fortcampbelllife 3
As many military spouses know there are challenges that we face daily that many others don’t. For one, just getting a stable job is a lot more difficult. Between the constant moving and unpredictable scheduling, holding down that regular 9 to 5 is sometimes impossible. Employers often overlook a hard-working and dedicated spouse since they have to relocate in a few years. As a former military spouse, I faced this many times when I graduated college. It seemed like my years of schooling did not matter because I lived a lifestyle that would move me around. After many frustrating rejections, I decided to reevaluate my game plan. That is when remote work came into my life. Often remote work is more flexible than the average office job. Working hours can be different than normal business hours. For my family and me, that is exactly what I needed. I needed to be able to easily work at night or switch it up and work during the day. I have been working remotely for almost my entire career now. I can confidently say that I love remote work and feel that it is something everyone should try. After all, who wouldn't love to work in your pajamas and skip the morning rush hour. As a spouse, it is an amazing feeling to be able to close your computer and open it back up at your new duty station. You get to skip the crazy job hunt that comes with a new base. The COVID-19 pandemic has opened the doors to many more companies offering remote work. This is a great milestone for military spouses. If you were ever in the market for a remote job, now is the time to brush up on that résumé. Since I have experience working remotely, I love to offer advice to others looking to switch up their daily work schedule. Continue reading on for some résumé tips, interview tips, as well as sites and companies to investigate to land a remote job. 5
The first thing that you are going to want to do is build that résumé. You want to be sure that it is nice, clean, and professional since it is the thing that gets your foot in the door. There are many templates that you can utilize that were professionally created. My two favorite sites to create a great résumé are Microsoft Word templates and indeed.com. They show you exactly where to plug in the needed information. When creating a résumé be sure to include a professional email address in the heading. Now is not the time to share the email address you created in middle school. You are going to want to create a short introduction that briefly discusses what makes you unique. Next, you will need to discuss your past work history. Be sure when writing out the duties that you did in that position to tailor it to relate to the position you are applying for. Showcase how you grew the role as well. If you have a large work gap history, you can omit specific dates and also fill in the holes with volunteer opportunities. After your work history, you can also share your schooling history and other certifications that you have received. If you would like to beef up this section, there are a wide variety of free certifications out there. Just the small things can make a huge difference. If you are applying for a larger company, be sure to use keywords throughout your résumé in case they are using an automated filter. For example, if you are applying for a customer care role, be sure to discuss your customer service history in detail and often.
Now, it is time to hunt for that remote position. To find the perfect one, you are going to need to look in the right places. For the military community, two great options are VirtForce and Instant Teams. They were created with the vision to help spouses land a remote position. When searching other job boards, it is important to utilize filters and the search bar, and know what positions to look out for. A few positions that are often 100% remote are Freelance Writer, Virtual Assistant, Data Entry, Customer Service Representative, Online Marketing, Transcriptionist, Medical Coder, Sales Representative, Recruiting, and so much more. Now that you have a base understanding of what to look for when applying, jump on some of these websites and get your resume out there for the world! http://www.LinkedIn.com http://www.Indeed.com http://www.Glassdoor.com http://www.ZipRecruiter.com
http://www.RatRaceRebellion.com http://www.FlexJobs.com http://www.wahjobqueen.com 6
Finally, the last step in landing a remote position is to ace the interview. Many people unknowingly mess themselves up when interviewing for remote positions because they believe these interviews will be more casual. My number one tip for interviewing remotely is to pretend that you are not. Be sure to still dress professionally, have a nice clean background, and be sure that your environment is distraction-free. Test out your technology ahead of time so that you can avoid any connection mishaps, and ensure your interview goes smoothly. Be sure to smile, be friendly, and keep the conversation flowing. Speak clearly and with purpose. Do not forget to do your research on the position and company ahead of time. Employers love to see that you took the time to prepare to speak with them, and you didn't just hop on the call. Also, be prepared to relate your past experiences to the current position, and do not be afraid to humblebrag about yourself every now and then. Be sure to have a few questions lined up for them. Employers love when you are actively engaging in the conversation. After the interview ends, write a follow-up email to the individuals you met with to thank them for their time, and to open the conversation up for any further questions.
Be patient and don’t lose hope. The right remote position will find you. You got this. 7
by CynDe Clack
Military children face daily challenges, including Family separations as service members travel for training or deployments. They experience frequent moves, which mean a new home, new neighbors, new schools, new routines, and new experiences. They also suffer grief and loss when leaving their best friends, favorite teachers, and coaches behind. In addition, school-age children and adolescent children often experience increased responsibilities like household chores or looking after their younger siblings. During the national observance of the Month of the Military Child (MOMC), we recognize and honor the commitment, contributions, and sacrifices Army children and youth make to our nation through the strength they provide our Soldiers and Families. All branches of the military celebrate MOMC. Fort Campbell holds activities throughout the month for our military children and their Families.
2022 Month of the Military Child Events: MOMC Color Run 5K/1 Mile Fun Run MOMC kicks off with the MOMC Color Run 5K/1Mile on Saturday, April 2, in the Shaw Physical Fitness Center parking lot at 10 am. Runners are to wear white t-shirts. This free fun run is stroller friendly(with color chalk awareness that color stations will be located every ¼ mile). Families are encouraged to participate together. Registration is on site prior to the event.
MOMC Virtual Art Show Child and Youth Services and Arts & Crafts will host an online art show for military children of all ages. Participants will submit electronic images of their original artwork by emailing to arts.crafts.ftcampbell@gmail.com. There are three divisions: ages six and under, ages 7 to 12, and ages 13 to 18. Categories are Digital Art, 2-Dimensional Art, and Dimensional Art. Enter your art from March 21 to April 15. All entries are shared on the MWR Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FortCampbellMWR on April 20. Winners of each category will receive first, second, and third-place ribbons for all age divisions. For additional information, please call 270.798.3625. 9
MOMC Kid Climb On Saturday, April 9, up to 4 children, age five and up, can climb for free per one paying adult. The staff will host climbing games and teach the basics of rock climbing while offering encouragement and support during the climbing session. There are two climbing sessions to choose from: 10 am -12 pm and 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm. The cost for an adult is $10. Registration is required no later than April 8. Call 270.412.7854 to register. .
Purple Up Day Friday, April 15 is Purple Up Day. Wearing purple is a visible way for you to show support and thank Military Youth for their strength and sacrifices.
Spirit Week Show your support ! Participate by wearing Camo to represent Military Pride on the 18th, wear your favorite Jersey on the 19th for Team Pride, Western Day is the 20th, Decade Day is the 21st, and Friday the 22nd wear your MOMC Shirt Day (if you do not have a MOMC shirt, wear purple).
Kidsfest Kidsfest will be held on Saturday, April 23 Field from 10 am to 2 pm. Kidfest will feature themed displays, music, giveaways, characters, etc. Costumes are welcome. This is a fun event for the whole Family. Watch www.campbell.armymwr.com for updates. As of the writing of this article, a decision has not been made on whether this will be a drive thru or an in-person event. Please watch for info.
Operation Megaphone on Friday, April 29th (Virtually) Join this multi-service virtual platform for youth to connect with other youth across all military services. Details are still being worked out at the time of this article. Please watch the Bastogne Teen Center Facebook group for additional information released. https://www.facebook.com/groups/bastogneteencenter
Young Lives BIG Stories The Young Lives BIG Stories contest gives Army-connected children and youth ages 3 through grade 12 a chance to tell their story about what it means to be a military child through pictures or written, audio, video submissions. This annual contest runs in April. Children and youth have the opportunity to win great prizes.
Visit www.campbell.armymwr.com/programs/month-military-child for details, FAQs & additional information.
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There is nothing like kicking off your Easter Sunday with a delicious breakfast. You need to be fueled up with a healthy and mouthwatering meal to help you have a fun-filled holiday. These delicious recipes are sure to be a smash this Easter Sunday. Which one will you be trying? Avocado and Egg Toast ¼ avocado seeded and peeled • 1 slice bread of choice • Sea salt to taste • ½ tablespoon butter Freshly cracked black pepper to taste • Fried Eggs Toast the bread in a toaster until golden and crispy. Next, place the avocado over the toast, and mash it on top of the toast. Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Break your egg in the pan and immediately reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered until whites is completely done and the yolk is thick. Top with eggs of choice, and season with salt and pepper.
Homemade Granola with Yogurt and Fruit 1
⁄2 cup canola oil or other neutral oil(such as coconut or olive oil) ⁄2 cup honey or maple syrup 1 ⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 cup sliced almonds • 1 cup raisins or other dried, chopped fruit • Yogurt • Fresh Fruit 1
Preheat oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together the oil, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Add the oats and almonds and stir to coat. Spread the oats out onto the prepared baking sheet into a nice even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from the oven, add the fruit, tamp down, and cool. Prepare in a bowl with the yogurt and fruit.
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Easter is right around the corner, and you may be wondering what you should stuff in your child’s Easter basket. Even though it is loved, throwing a bunch of candy into the bucket is never a healthy idea. No matter how old your child is, there are perfect things for every Easter basket.
Ages 2-5 Years Old • Stickers • Bubbles • Play-Doh • A New Cup • Kinetic Sand • Rain Boots • Chalk • Crayons • Beach Sand Toy Set • Bathing Suit Ages 5-10 • Fidget Toys • Stuffed Animals • Legos • Nail Polish • Bathing Suit • Bath Bombs • Water Toys • Water Bottle • Socks • Toy Cars
Ages 0-2 Years Old • Receiving Blankets • Socks • Shoes • Easter-Themed Onesies • Pajamas • Easter Baby Book • Pacifiers • Teething Rings • Bibs • Baby Spoons
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Ages 11-14 • Video Games • Temporary Tattoos • Perfume • Beach Towel • Lip Balm • Fuzzy Socks • Bathing Suit • Shoes • Slime Ages 15-18 • Travel Coffee Mug • Cell Phone Case • Scented Candle • Coffee Shop Gift Cards • Car Air Freshener • Restaurant Gift Cards • Hair Ties • Gum • Earbuds
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Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Various sites Nashville https://tinpansouth.com/ This is the ultimate place to catch your favorite songwriters. Performances will take place throughout the city at Nashville’s premier songwriter-friendly venues, including The Bluebird, Hard Rock Cafe, The Listening Room Cafe, Station Inn, 3rd and Lindsley, City Winery, and more.
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Down the Rabbit Hole Masquerade Wilma Rudolph Event Center Clarksville 6pm https://www.eventbrite.com/e/down-the-rabbithole-masquerade-ball-tickets-268479508437 Wonderland themed masquerade ball supporting Chive Charities. A fun and elegant evening of music, dancing, games, a silent auction, drinks, and moe benefiting Chive Charities! Formal attire is highly encouraged. 21 and up ONLY!
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1st Annual Austim Awareness Event Dawson Springs Rd Hopkinsville 11am-4pm • https://zp3 upload.facebook.com/ events/431050851988646/ This event is to bring awareness to Autism. We plan not to only have a fun day but offer support to the parents.
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Mid-South Jazz Festival Mabry Theatre APSU Clarksville 7:30pm https://clarksvillemusic.org/midsouthjazz/ This is the 61st anniversary of the Jazz Festival that features local and regional jazz artists nightly. The headliner for the event is Huntertones on Saturday. performing songs from their latest release “Passport” Garden & Outdoor Living Expo Christian County Extension Expo Center https://hoptowngardenexpo. wordpress.com/ Over 40 local and regional garden and outdoor living exhibitors. There will be free tree seedlings, kids activities and scavenger hunts also free tool and mower blade sharpening (limit 2 items)
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Honoring our Young Heroes Public Square Clarksville 10am-3pm https://www.eventbrite.com/e/honoring-our-youngheroes-tickets-289772576577 This event is for the military children of our community to have a day to themselves to forget all that’s going on in the world, and simply enjoy being a kid. The City of Clarksville is recognizing the superhero kids for their selflessness and sacrifice as they serve our country as part of a military family.
Run in Blue Rock ‘n Roll Nashville Downtown Nashville • https://www.wearblueruntorember.org With every step, Wear Bue creates a living memorial to the service and sacrifice of the American military. And on race day, our Wear Blue Mile allows all runners to pay tribute to the service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is a reminder that Freedom isn’t free – it was bought and paid for by men and women in uniform.
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Hippie Daze Festival Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora Ky 10am www.facebook.com/ events/368606508070665/ Find your groove at the WACPAC’s first ever Hippie Daze Festival. This event will be at the Kenlake State Resort Park’s Tennis Center in Aurora Kentucky. We will have indoor and outdoor vendors, food, music, vintage campers, and of course hippies! We encourage all participants to embrace your inner flower child and dress in your hippiest duds. Little River Festival West Cadiz Park 10am https://www.facebook.com/events/ 550814739579724/ This festival will feature live music, variety of vendors for shopping, food trucks and games for the kids.
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Walk4Water Liberty Park Clarksville 10am https://www.hhi.org/walk4water/clarksville-tn-2022 This 4 mile walk helps fund Healing Hands, International, in their effort to provide clean drinking water in the name of Jesus Christ to those in need. The money will help drill new wells and repairi and maintain existing wells in impoverished areas.
Amber Haze
Jack Honey & Grapefruit This cocktail is just what it sounds like. Two ingredients, one sweet and one tangy, blend together to perfection. Ideally, use fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. This drink is great for summertime, but it’s also a nice little shot of vitamin C, so it could become your winter weather drink for that reason.
1 ounce Jack Honey 3 ounces fresh squeezed red grapefruit juice Put ice in a collins glass and pour in the ingredients. Hpnotiq Breeze The Hpnotiq Breeze is a Hpnotiq-based cocktail. It also features coconut rum and pineapple juice to add to the tropical fruit flavors in the liqueur. The pineapple comes through strongly, along with the coconut and some citrus notes. This is a great poolside drink, or for those days when you dearly wish you could be by a poolside. It’s fun, tasty and pretty, which makes it a hit when you’re entertaining. The little umbrellas are optional.
1 1⁄2 ounces Hpnotiq • 1 ounce Malibu coconut rum 2 ounces pineapple juice Fill a shaker halfway with ice and pour in all ingredients. Drop some ice into a whiskey sour glass and strain the mixture into it.
This cocktail is light, easy-going and refreshing. The flavor is apple with just a touch of pomegranate. This gets combined with soda water for some carbonation. The alcohol content is on the weak side. This is a great choice for light drinkers, or anytime you want just enough alcohol to relax. It’s perfect for sipping poolside on hot days – the combination of ice and carbonation keeps it cool. It’s almost like a slightly alcoholic pom-apple soda!
1 ounce Bacardi Big Apple rum 1 dash grenadine Soda water • Lime wheel Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice. Pour in the apple rum first, then top it most of the rest of the way with the soda water. Pour the dash of grenadine on last. Garnish with a lime wheel and a straw for stirring in the grenadine.
Pimm’s Cup
Drink recipes and photos courtesy of https://www.mixthatdrink.com
Pimm’s Cup is actually more a punch than a cocktail. It starts with a potation called Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, created in the 1840s by the owner of Pimm’s Oyster Bar in London. It was served as the house ale, and the recipe was perfected over many years until it became what you can buy today: a gin-based, low alcohol spice and citrus spirit. To that, you add gin if you want higher alcohol content, then lemonade (or in modern times, some people prefer 7-up or ginger ale), then whatever fruit you want to throw at it.
Makes enough for 6 people: 12 ounces Pimm’s No. 1 Cup 6 ounces dry gin (optional) Lemonade Fruit chunks or slices (cucumber, lemon, lime, strawberries and mint are suggested – cucumber is actually the most common garnish) Put about twenty ice cubes into a large jug. Add the Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, then the gin and the fruit. Fill the jug the rest of the way with lemonade and stir it. Serve it in highball glasses. Remind your guests they can eat the fruit, too. 18
Deployments are tough for all people involved. Whether it is your first or fifth, deployments never get easier. It is never easy dreading the next 9 to 12 months of your life, which is why you have to go into an upcoming deployment with a game plan. Here are a few tried and true tips from seasoned military spouses that help them get through every deployment. “Get into a routine. For me, I would wake up before my kids, work out in the garage, shower, fix breakfast, drop off the kids at school, go to work, come home, cook dinner, clean, and then help with homework. It is harder to be sad when your days are slammed packed. It is less time to think about things.” - Penelope R. “I always take on a big project while my spouse is gone. It gives me a goal. I have been through 3 deployments. The first one I lost all my baby weight, the second I renovated our kitchen, and the third I saved up to buy a new car for my husband when he got home.” -Kelly M. “Cut off the news and keep scrolling through any social media posts that could be discussing issues in the area your spouse is deployed to. It is better to just avoid it.” -Diana D. “Make some time to hang out with friends. If you are a mom, you need more human interaction than you just get from your kids. You need adults to talk to as well.” - Rachel A. “I planned adventures every single month for my kids and I to go on. It gave us all something to look forward to every month.” -Olive J. 19
“Hire a housekeeper to come in every once in a while. Give yourself a break when you need it.” - Linda C. “Make sure you have POA and the service member’s MyPay login information if they will be gone during tax time. Getting the W2 without it is a pain.” - Callie B. “Send care packages and pictures from home often. It helps everyone stay connected.” - Sarah N. “Pick up an extra job to fill in some free time. It really helps bring in some extra money so that you can pay off some debt or other things with the deployment bonus money. We had $20,000 in savings by the time my husband returned home.” - Lara W. “Facetime and call often, but do not freak out when you miss a call from them. They understand that you are busy holding down the fort at home. Missed calls are bound to happen.” - Tasha B.
Care Packages Can your packages really help families and spouses get through the tough times of a deployment? Not only do they supply the soldiers with memories from home, but they also allow the families to have a creative outlet that makes them feel closer to their loved one. Creating care packages can truly be a special time while they are away. Personally, I made and sent my husband a care package every two weeks the entire time he was gone. Not only did it give him something to look forward to every few weeks, but it also helped keep me busy because I was constantly planning the next package.
There are a few do’s and don’ts when creating a care package. Here are a few things to not include in any packages that you send overseas. Adult Entertainment • Alcohol Or Drugs • Aerosols Or Pressurized Products Perishable Foods • Liquids Don’t forget to get creative and customize each box. I loved picking out themes for my boxes and decorating them. I designed them to match upcoming holidays, and I also made some that I knew would make him smile. My husband loved working out while deployed, so he got many gym themed packages. Just follow your heart, have fun, and let this been a stress reliever during this hard time.
If you are new to the world of being a military spouse, it can all seem a little overwhelming at first. You move away from home, and are in a new city, learning new military terms, and trying to navigate your way through this new world. But, you are not alone. There are women that have been in your shoes and are glad to share some advice that they learned along the way. “Don’t give up on your own dreams and goals. If you have career aspirations, continue to go after them. Online schooling and remote positions have made work for military spouses so much more obtainable.” -Kerrie C.
“It is okay for homecomings to be bittersweet. It is always great to see your spouse again, but it is normal to have a re-adjustment period. You have to get used to living and working together again.” -Brandy H.
“Enjoy every single military base. Some are cooler than others, but there are unique places about every place you visit. Take advantage of the traveling aspect of this lifestyle.” -Julie A.
“Look up moving and packing tips and find the best method for your family. Stick to it with every PCS. It will make that time of the year less stressful for everyone.” -Georgia P.
“Figure out the difference between Tricare Prime and Tricare Select. Getting that set up and ready to go is always my first tip to spouses.” - Wendy H.
“Expect none of your plans to actually happen. Timelines are constantly changing and you have to stay flexible.” -Sasha V.
“Meet new people and make new friends. Fellow military spouses are some of the most caring and sweet friends that you can make. I have made lifelong friends at every base.” -Evie D.
“Learn all the crazy acronyms as soon as possible. It will make dinner conversations with your spouse so much easier when you can understand what they are saying.” - Jesse B.
Discovery Park of America is hosting its annual Military History and Armed Forces Symposium Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1, 2022. The event has grown significantly larger than previous years and will feature a variety of programs and interactive activities that explore the past, present and future of the American military. All active military, veterans, their guests and student groups will receive free admission to Discovery Park during all three days of this event. The Military History and Armed Forces Symposium features presentations from academic historians on key turning points in the history of our country beginning with the war in Vietnam. The symposium will also include educational military reenactors, weapons and transportation demonstrations, period musicians, and more. The 2022 Military History and Armed Forces Symposium will include educational, interactive and thought-provoking programs from a variety of periods throughout our nation’s history. The symposium will focus on Vietnam to present and explore how veterans and their families are impacted by military service. Friday events are more student-centric providing information on careers in the military and a discussion of military entrance standards, how these have changed in the past fifty years and what are the repercussions. Saturday features a wide variety of sessions for veterans and the public. Come and learn more about sensitive yet important topics such as bridging the military and civilian divide, how to speak to and properly honor our veterans, and re-entry to society for military personnel once their service concludes. The weekend is packed full of events including a members-only reception on opening night, a Civil War-period ball, lantern walks through the Settlement at Discovery Park and the –U.S. Navy “Nimitz” Virtual Reality Experience. This event is sponsored by Union City Coca-Cola and Dixie Gun Works.
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Join the USO in celebrating the Month of the Military Child during their April programs. April 7th at 3 p.m. Stop by the USO for an after-school snack. They will be hosting an ice cream sundae bar from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children can add their toppings. April 12th at 10:30 a.m. Bring the littles (up to age 6) to the USO for storytime and tea time with Alice In Wonderland- Alice will Zoom in to join us from Wonderland! April 14th at 5 p.m. Join the USO for a family dinner night. They will be serving dinner between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. from the Event Center. This dinner has a dine-in and carry-out option. April 19th at 9:30 a.m. They are hosting Coffee Connections at APSU. High school-aged children are invited to join as we take a walking campus tour to include the military student center. April 22nd at 5 p.m. The USO will be celebrating Earth Day with gardening kits for the kids. This is a great program for all ages to start their vegetable garden. All programs require registration to attend. Check out https://fortcampbell.uso.org/events for more information. You can also download the mobile app to stay connected to upcoming programs.
All USO events are for our Active Duty/Guard/Reserve Service members and their families and are offered FREE of charge. The USO says the events are their way of saying thank you to them for their service.
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Don’t Miss It! Lynyrd Skynyrd LIVE in Concert for Week of the Eagles Make sure to save the date to watch Lynyrd Skynyrd live and in person. On May 21 2022 at 6pm, head on down to the Division Parade Field to watch Lynyrd Skynyrd perform! with very special guest Cassadee Pope This is a free show that will be open to DoD ID Card Holders and Authorized Guests Only. Please note: No outside food or drink · No Pets Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Must be 21 to consume alcohol · All youth age 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult Sponsored and presented by USAA!