USOHRCV and Virginia Aquarium distribute 4,000 tickets to Military and Military Families

Virginia Aquarium Partners with USO Hampton Roads and Central Virginia to Bring Military Families on an Underwater Adventure

Over 4,000 tickets will be distributed for free admission to the Aquarium in the month of September

August 1, 2018 - Virginia Beach, VA

The USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia (USOHRCV) and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center are partnering together to distribute 4,000 admission tickets to local military members and their dependents as a gesture of gratitude for their service to our nation. Tickets will be valid for admission during the month of September, and were provided courtesy of a generous grant from Ed Snyder of the Checkered Flag Auto Group.

“We are thrilled that Mr. Snyder’s partnership allows us to continue to share the Aquarium with the incredible armed forces and families in the Hampton Roads area.” Said Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, Executive Director of the Virginia Aquarium.

“I have worked with the Aquarium from its conception and I am very proud of what has resulted. It is my pleasure to share this facility with my fellow members of the armed forces and their families. Thank you and enjoy.” Said Ed Snyder of Checkered Flag Auto Group.

Active duty military members, reservists, national guard members, or their eligible dependents may stop by any one of the USO locations in Hampton Roads to pick up tickets during business hours. Tickets must be picked up in person and will be valid for admission during the month of September. USOHRCV will distribute tickets at USO centers located at Fort Eustis, Langley AFB, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, Naval Station Norfolk, JEB Little Creek and Norfolk International Airport. A full listing of USO locations with address and hours can be found on their website HRCV.USO.org.

“Part of our mission at the USO is to connect military members who are here for duty, with their local community.” Said Paula Moran, President and CEO of USOHRCV. “Virginia is a unique place with many things to offer, one of them being the natural beauty of our shoreline. I’m proud to play a part in bringing service members and their families to the aquarium to experience our natural environment in an up close and personal setting.”

Since 1941 the USO has provided morale lifting services and programs to members of our military both home and abroad. While known for alignment with celebrities such as Bob Hope and Anne Margaret, their mission has evolved to meet the ever changing needs of our military and military families. Programs such as the Bob Hope Legacy Reading program allow service members to stay connected to young children during deployments, while other programs such as USO Pathfinder provide concierege level services to encourage a successful reintegration to civilian life at the end of active service. Locally, USOHRCV offers 13 USO locations which provide a home away from home for service members in our community. Service members can visit a USO location and find refershments, snack, a hot cup of coffee, and a friendly volunteer.

Throughout the year the congressionally chartered nonprofit organization hosts a variety of special events or programs, such as USO Warrior Week at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, SpringUP! For Military Kids, and coming for fall 2018, Operation: Family Fitness Adventure, which will feature a full day of physical challenges to encourage a sustainable healthy lifestyle for participants of all ages. In addition, USOHRCV will also host two events in September, the 2018 USO Golf Classic and the Viva Las Vegas! Charity Benefit to raise funds for year round programming at 13 different USO locations.

About the USOHRCV The USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia (USOHRCV) strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort, and support. The USOHRCV is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment are made possible by local Virginians, support of our corporate partners and local board members, and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.

In addition to individual donors, the USOHRCV receives significant financia support from corporate sponsors such as Altria, Liberty Tax, GEICO Military, Dunkin’ Donuts, Cox Communications, The WaWa Foundation, USAA, Bryant & Stratton College, Military Newspapers of Virginia, SAIC, Harris Teete and ECPI University. We are also supported through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-29471). To join us in this important mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit hrcv.uso.org.