USO Warrior Center Hosts 19th Annual LRMC Staff Appreciation BBQ

Even before the USO Warrior Center came into view, you could smell the barbecue and hear the sounds of 90s R&B traveled through the air, drawing people in. Even a full twenty minutes before the official start, an impressive crowd of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) staff and support personnel had already gathered, excited to take a break from work, have a tasty lunch, talk and laugh with their coworkers. When you see the USO logo, something special is about to happen.

But this wasn’t just any cookout - this was the 19th Annual LRMC Staff Appreciation BBQ, a special annual tradition the dedicated staff and volunteers at the USO Warrior Center had been planning for weeks. This event is meant to honor the dedication of LRMC’s medical professionals and the difference they make in service members’ lives every single day.

Commander of LRMC, U.S. Army Colonel Theodore (Ted) Brown, opened the event with a message of appreciation and welcome. “We couldn’t do everything that we do without our USO partners,” he said. “No matter the need, they always try to find a way to support the LRMC team. Day-to-day, we provide care to over 200,000 beneficiaries. We are always ready to receive casualties, and the team would burnout quickly if it weren’t for our partners at the USO that continue to hold us up and support us in our work.”

Over 1,200 individuals, including nurses, doctors, support staff and more, gathered to enjoy a well-deserved lunch break. Hamburgers sizzled on the grill along with plant-based alternatives, potato salad, baked beans and an array of fresh fruit and cookies. Adding a special touch, LRMC military leaders grabbed a USO apron and helped serve lunch, a gesture that spoke volumes about the respect between the hospital staff and leadership.

The afternoon was filled with laughter, conversation and a few brave souls even showed off their dance moves. Everyone had the chance to win fun USO swag through exciting giveaways—and the USO wasn’t the only quality of life partner adding to the festivities. Staff from Semper Fi & America’s Fund were also on hand, connecting with service members and handing out their own branded items to help spread smiles and support.

"The Fund is always excited to partner with like-minded organizations like the USO,” said Jasper Heilig, International Liaison and Veteran to Veteran Lead for Semper Fi & America’s Fund. “We are so very proud to serve the community here in Landstuhl. This is such an incredible community servicing men and women in the military in the most compassionate way possible.”

Also on site to show appreciation for service members and LRMC staff was USO mission partner, Patriot Military Automobiles.

When asked how he feels to support an event like this, Tom Pistulka from Patriot Military Automobiles said: “Patriot Military Automobiles truly appreciates the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center staff, and we are proud to serve those who serve.”

Months of planning, countless phone calls and dedicated effort by the USO team culminated in this day of celebration. From ordering food and supplies to transforming the space with festive decorations and coordinating with military leadership, every detail was thoughtfully considered.

The Warrior Center’s mission was clear: to create a moment of ease and recognition for the LRMC team. Even a small act, like providing a delicious lunch, offered an opportunity for the hospital staff to step away from their demanding roles, take a breath and feel the gratitude from the Landstuhl community.

“It means so much to have the USO here at LRMC,” said U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Laura Studley. “They provide valuable resources for the patients we care for in the ICU and on the wards. After discharge, many of our patients don’t have family nearby, so having the USO gives them a reason to get out of their rooms, which plays an important role in their recovery.”

The 19th Annual LRMC Staff Appreciation BBQ was more than just a meal; it served as a reminder of the important role the USO Warrior Center plays in the Landstuhl community, not only in providing comfort to recovering service members but also in supporting the dedicated professionals who care for them.