USO and Mission Partner Support Airmen at Buchel Air Base

Each May, Military Appreciation Month brings an opportunity to pause and show appreciation for the sacrifice and dedication of our U.S. service members. Throughout the month, we recognize many members of the military community. In addition to remembering our fallen heroes on Memorial Day, we also celebrate military spouses and honor those currently serving on Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces Day.

This Military Appreciation Month, the team at USO Spangdahlem along with our mission partner, Patriot Military Automobiles brought some additional support to service members stationed at Büchel Air Base in Germany. Many of these service members live and work away from larger military installations with amenities and support services commonly found on U.S. bases.

Before heading out, USO staff member, Oscar Pullido, and USO volunteer, Sadie Whaley, packed 70 goodie bags filled with energy bars and candy to hand out during the visit. Alongside them was Paul from Patriot Military Automobiles, who spent the day connecting with service members and showing appreciation for their service.

Coordinating a visit like this requires close collaboration with military leadership and the units being supported. These visits also involve flexibility, as military mission requirements can shift quickly and teams may need to adjust timelines or support dates accordingly.

“Our focus is making sure Airmen, especially those in smaller or remote locations, still feel connected and supported,” said Oscar. “Even bringing something simple like games, food, or just time to relax together can really boost morale.”

Support from partners like Patriot Military Automobiles help make these moments possible, allowing the USO to continue reaching service members in smaller and more remote locations across the region.

Many of the employees at Patriot Military Automobiles are veterans themselves, bringing firsthand experience and understanding to the military community they serve. Paul explained their company strives to help customers avoid common challenges and make the process as smooth as possible.

As a veteran myself, with 22 years in the RAF, it means so much more to support and look after service members the way I would have liked to be looked after when I was in,” Paul said. “We’ve been there, done it, and experienced the challenges ourselves.

For the USO team, visits like this are also made possible through strong relationships with military leadership and understanding what units need most — especially in locations where service members may not have regular access to larger support networks and resources.

For USO volunteer, Sadie, the visit carried an even more personal meaning as her husband Bryan actively serves at Büchel Air Base. What started as an opportunity to support service members also became a chance to give back to her own military community and spend time with family.

“Many military members spend long periods away from their loved ones, work under stressful conditions, and dedicate themselves to serving others,” said Sadie. “Simple gestures of gratitude, like what we were able to do today, can lift morale, create a sense of connection, and show that their community genuinely cares about them.”

After relocating to a more remote area, Sadie said she knew she wanted to get involved and support the military community around her. Through volunteering with the USO, she has found ways to stay connected, help fellow spouses stay informed about events and resources, and support service members whenever possible.

“Even small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact and help service members and their families feel supported and appreciated,” she said. Visits like this mean more than just handing out snacks or supplies. These moments provide an opportunity to remind service members that they are appreciated, connected, and not forgotten.

“Supporting the USO and outreach events like these to our overseas Military Communities is what PMA is all about,” said Simon Biddle, Geschäftsführer for Patriot Military Automobiles GmbH. “As a team, many of Patriot Military Automobiles’ employees are Veterans or have a combined 100+ years of service to Military Communities, so PMA knows firsthand how important it is to feel connected and supported, especially at smaller, more remote locations like Büchel Air Base. Proudly Serving Those That Serve - we are Patriots!”

According to Oscar, sometimes simply showing up and spending time together can have a bigger impact than people realize.

“Partners like Patriot Military Automobiles help us bring these moments to life,” said Oscar. “Their support allows us to reach more Airmen, support more events, and create experiences that remind service members that people truly care about them.”