Exchange, USO Celebrate Tastes of Home at Kaiserlautern Military Community Thanksgiving Event

The Exchange worked with the United Service Organizations (USO) to express gratitude to military members in the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Events at Baumholder and Vogelweh Military Complex created a festive atmosphere for junior enlisted service members and their families.

“Thanksgiving is a time for connection, reflection and gratitude,” said Col. Everett “Bud” Lacroix, Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region commander. “This event is more than just a meal—it’s about showing our junior service members that they are part of a larger family that stands behind them.”

The annual USO Thanks for Thanksgiving event provided free holiday meals to junior enlisted service members with dependents. Each meal included a turkey, side dishes, rolls, dessert and gift cards from Service Credit Union, ensuring families have everything for a festive meal.

“The Exchange is committed to supporting our troops,” Lacroix said. “It’s heartwarming to see our leaders and community come together to make this holiday special for those who serve far from home.”

Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Commander Col. Everett “Bud” Lacroix helps distribute Krispy Kreme doughnuts from the Exchange’s Gruenstadt Bakery to service members during an USO Thanksgiving event in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

The Vogelweh Military Complex featured a drive-thru, where Exchange associates distributed warm Krispy Kreme doughnuts and coffee. Meanwhile, the USO provided breakfast burritos, hot chocolate and bottled water.
Sgt. Maj. Ashley Ikegwuonu, the Exchange’s Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region senior enlisted advisor, and Lt. Col. Katheryn Hanson, the Exchange’s Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region Public Health and Food Safety Advisor and Antiterrorism/Force Protection Officer, made the trip to the USO’s second location in Baumholder to greet families and distribute turkeys and fixings.

This year marks the 24th annual USO Thanks for Thanksgiving event, which aims to distribute approximately 700 meal packages to families in need.

Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Senior Enlisted Advisor Sgt. Maj. Ashley Ikegwuonu and Lt. Col. Katheryn Hanson, the Exchange’s Europe/SWA/Africa Region Public Health and Food Safety Advisor and Antiterrorism/Force Protection Officer, pose for a photo while helping distribute turkeys to service members during an USO Thanksgiving event in Baumholder, Germany.