Atlanta Falcons and USO Bring Support to Service Members at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria

In June 2023, players and coaches from the Atlanta Falcons visited service members in Germany, Romania and Bulgaria. The Falcons team and Stephen Cannon, AMB Sports and Entertainment Vice Chairman, have a long-standing tradition of supporting the people in the U.S. military. This tour marked the Falcons’ second journey to visit service members in the field, with their first visit taking place in the Middle East. During their latest visit, the Falcons witnessed the profound impact of the USO’s support in Eastern Europe and felt motivated to contribute to the cause.

Six months later, service members at Novo Selo Training Area (NSTA) in Bulgaria celebrated the ribbon cutting of a Falcons-funded unstaffed USO center - just in time for the holiday season. Area Support Activity (ASA) Black Sea leadership and the USO gathered to celebrate with food, fun and music. Service members on base also received a festive USO Holiday bag full of snacks and swag items to commemorate the occasion.

Operated by NATO forces, U.S. military make up a significant portion of the population at NSTA. This training area is noted for its multinational presence and austere surroundings. Being so far from any cities or entertainment, this duty station creates unique challenges for service members.

“The USO being here allows us to wind down and relax,” said U.S. Army soldier Sgt Malik Griffin.

I come to the USO because it’s a great place to relax and a stress reliever. It’s difficult being so far from home and secluded in this area.

Unstaffed centers are largely managed by volunteers, but maintain the same level of support and services as a staffed center. When soldiers find themselves off duty or between shifts, this center is available with great amenities, delicious snacks and freshly brewed coffee.

There is also plenty of free entertainment available including four TVS, two Nintendo switches, two PlayStation 5 gaming systems and two foosball tables. With an array of USO and Falcons memorabilia covering the walls and lots of comfortable seating, this center provides a space where everyone can relax, watch movies or play games together.

ONE YEAR LATER

Now, volunteers and staff continue to host a variety of engaging programs tailored to fit service members’ needs. USO staff members from Romania regularly travel to NSTA to help host events, restock snacks and bring fun activities suited to the time of year.

In February 2024, USO staff arrived to host a Super Bowl party complete with chips and salsa and a Madden Tournament. Then in May, they returned to host a movie marathon, set up a homemade taco party in honor of Cinco de Mayo and collaborate with partner organizations to host the “Bulgarian Hero Games,” where service members hiked up a mountain carrying 90lb sacks of water up a mountain. Staff members will return to NSTA in July 2024 to host Fourth of July activities including a water balloon toss, watermelon eating contest and cornhole tournament.

USO Care packages are also regularly dispatched to the unstaffed center, replenishing essential toiletry items and highly-requested American treats. The center is also stocked with basic toiletries, ensuring service members have access to essential resources when they first arrive in Bulgaria. U.S. Army soldier, 1Lt Rafael Urbina, said the USO has saved many of his soldiers when the PX on base was sold out of toothpaste or shampoo.

“I like the free toiletries, drinks and snacks. Sometimes the PX is out of things so we know we can come to the USO.”

U.S. Army soldier, Sgt Michael Tutalo, is stationed at NSTA and in his down time also volunteers at the USO unstaffed center. “The USO gives me the opportunity to decompress after work, mingle with friends and put in some volunteer hours,” he said. “I come to the USO for trivia night, paint night, to play video games with my friends and give back to my community.”

The operational hours of the center mirror the hours of a traditional USO facility, due to the efforts of service member volunteers. These volunteers ensure the doors consistently remain open to provide a welcoming space for their peers. Soldiers are able to enjoy fun activities at the center without the need to spend money or drive for an hour in search of entertainment.

Thanks to the generous funding from the Atlanta Falcons, the USO team has created a vital hub for service members at NSTA. This space not only provides access to amenities and fun activities, but also acts as a gateway to a supportive community where these men and women can make friends and unwind from their demanding jobs.