More than 5,000 service members and their families attended the USO Hampton Roads and Central Virginia (USOHRV) 13th annual holiday party at Rockwell Hall on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story (JEBLCFS) Dec. 5.

The free event featured appearances by the USO Show Troupe, who performed holiday classics as well as dance numbers by the Lady Raiders cheerleading squad.

"The mission of the USO in Hampton Roads and Central Virginia is to lift the spirits of our service members living and working in our communities," said Elan Enriquez, director of marketing for USO at Hampton Roads and Central Virginia. "We do this by operating 11 USO welcome centers on major military installations as well as the area's three major airports, and also by producing events such as our annual holiday party."

Families also had the chance to win door prizes provided by event sponsors and take photos with Santa. The organization gave away more than 50 toys, including almost two-dozen bikes, said Enriquez.

Along with over 300 families who took their photos with Santa, Capt. Frank E. Hughlett, commanding officer of JEBLCFS, also had the chance to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas.

"I would like everybody to have a great family Christmas whether they're home or deployed this year," said Hughlett. "Reach out and get connected with your loved ones."

The USO strengthens America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country, throughout their service to the nation

For more information on USOHRV, visit the website at http://usohrcv.com/.


For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, visit www.navy.mil/.