USO No-Dough Dinners

501 service members and their families gathered at USO Great Lakes for a No-Dough Dinner and CSADD (Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions) Nerf War in January! Participants scarfed down a delicious Popeye’s meal before heading into the depths of the center to see who would be the last one standing in this friendly competition. Everyone had a great time capturing different areas in the center for their team.

“It was important for me to volunteer for the USO No-Dough Dinner as a way to give back,” Sergeant Daniel B. Pena Sr., USMC said. “The USO was there for me while I was deployed to Iraq in 2003-2004 with the United States Marine Corps. I also brought my kids Lorena and Daniel, so they understand what it means to give back to an organization that not only helped me but helps all service members around the world.”

Pena Sr. is proud to work for a company like North Shore Gas that supports servicemen and women throughout the year. North Shore Gas sponsors various employee volunteer opportunities to serve military service members, veterans, and their families, including an annual Home and Honor Day, Lake County Honor Flight, and USO No-Dough Dinners.

Thank you to North Shore Gas, CSADD Great Lakes, and Great Lakes Morale, Welfare and Recreation for making this a special No-Dough.

Service members who dared to take the plunge in the icy cold water at Naval Station Great Lakes were treated to a special USO No-Dough BBQ lunch supported by Gary Sinise Foundation. Great Lakes MWR hosted their annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 25. Over 300 service members and their families took the plunge with over 100 more staying warm in support. After braving the icy waters, everyone was treated to hamburgers, hot dogs, Buffalo Wild Wings Sauce and more from the USO’s No-Dough BBQ lunch.

Thank you to Gary Sinise Foundation for sponsor this chilly event.

Love was in the air at a very special USO No-Dough Dinner and CSADD Valentine’s Chocolate Eating Contest. Our USO Great Lakes staff and volunteers put their thinking caps on for the most romantic competition - shoveling a sickeningly sweet platter of chocolate cake, chocolate chips and chocolate syrup into their mouths using only their hands!

Thank you to PepsiCo Valor, CSADD, and Real Urban BBQ for being part of this sweet event.

USO No-Dough Dinners provide military members and their families serving on or around Naval Station Great Lakes the opportunity to enjoy a free, hot meal the evening before payday. USO partners with generous supporters and local restaurants provide tasty meals in a welcoming and homey environment.

Thank you to all our USO No-Dough Dinner supporters and sponsors!

Article Published March 23, 2020