DAHLGREN,Va. -- With the opening of a new USO Center at Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren in July, service members and their families at both Dahlgren and NSF Indian Head have access to a unique “home away from home” at both bases.
Both the Dahlgren USO and the USO Center at Indian Head, which has been in operation for several years, are operated by USO-Metro, a private non-profit organization that serves military personnel in Washington, D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia with five centers located on area military installations and four more at area airports.
The Dahlgren and Indian Head USO Centers are sponsored by Naval Support Activity South Potomac in support of military personnel residing and working on board both installations. Recently appointed as the new manager for both USO Centers is Mariellen Curtis, wife of a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer.
Curtis is in the process of revamping programs and services to be offered through the USO Centers at both bases, and is faced with an immediate challenge of securing sufficient volunteers to staff the facilities and help with special programs for military families.
“Our goal is to establish a new regular operating schedule for both USO Centers,”explains Curtis. “We’re looking for adult volunteers who would be available to commit to certain hours to operate the USO at either base.”
Curtis hopes that as sufficient volunteer staff becomes available, she will be able to add additional special programs and services at the USO Centers.
Volunteers can include military spouses, as well as any interested civilians to include base employees or members of the local community. USO-Metro, a private non-profit organization, employs nearly 5,000 volunteers across the region to provide much-needed support.
Elaine Rogers, president of USO-Metro, emphasizes, “The challenges our military and their families face today have never been greater. We hope to make a positive change in that process.
“We will do it through laughter, through activities and amenities and in ways the USO is known for bringing joy into people’s lives,” Rogers said.
Individuals who would like to volunteer to assist at either the Dahlgren or Indian Head USO Centers are encouraged to contact Curtis at (540) 809-1365 or by email at
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