USO Mid-Atlantic supports 500 military families following 2025 WUSA9 Turkeys for Troops Telethon

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The holiday season was made brighter for hundreds of military families recently thanks to the generosity of partners and the dedication of USO staff and volunteers.

During the annual WUSA9 Turkeys for Troops Telethon, the USO raised an astounding $41,621, setting a record for the program that provided holiday meal kits for 500 service members and their families throughout the National Capital Region this year.

“The holidays can be challenging for service members, especially those who are far from loved ones,” said USO Mid-Atlantic Executive Director John Falin. “These meal kits are so much more than just food, they’re a message of appreciation and care from the community.”

The initiative, which began in 2009 as a partnership between the USO and WUSA9, has become a cherished tradition, offering support and gratitude to those who serve. This year’s donations provided meal kits to families stationed in Maryland and Virginia, specifically at Fort George G. Meade, Fort Belvoir, and Marine Corps Base Quantico.

For many families, the support was a welcome relief. One recipient shared, “It meant so much to know that people were thinking of us. Another posted online, “This meal kit helped us celebrate together without worrying about the cost.”

Each holiday meal kit included all the essentials for a festive dinner, and thanks to a generous grant from Giant Food, every one also contained a $10 gift card to help families purchase additional items. This thoughtful addition underscored Giant Food’s commitment to easing the burden on military families during the holidays.

“At Giant Food, we believe in giving back to those who give so much,” said Giant Food Labor Relations Manager Kelli Hall. “Supporting the USO’s Turkeys for Troops program is our way of saying thank you to the brave service members and their families who sacrifice every day. This holiday season, we’re honored to help bring a little comfort and joy to their tables.”

The telethon, broadcast by WUSA9, featured interviews with USO representatives, inspiring viewers to contribute. These essential volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes, answering phones and processing donations throughout the day. Their efforts paid off, as this year’s total surpassed previous records, reflecting the region’s deep respect for its military community.

“As a veteran, I have a deep connection to this organization as it provides so much to our military families,” said Marialena Bridges, a two-time USO Turkeys for Troops Telethon volunteer who served 22 years on active duty in the Marine Corps. “It was a difficult time for a lot of people, so we thought it wasn’t going to be as successful as last year. However, I was blown away by the support of so many and it was uplifting seeing humanity at its finest.”

The USO’s mission to strengthen America’s service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country is evident in programs like Turkeys for Troops. By partnering with local businesses and media outlets, the organization continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who serve.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without our friends at WUSA9,” said John. “Their continued support has enabled us to be there for countless service members and families.”

As the USO looks ahead to next year, the success of this telethon serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together. Donations not only provide meals but foster a sense of belonging and gratitude that resonates far beyond the holiday season.