USO of Hampton Roads

Special Section: Combined Federal Campaign 2009

USO of Hampton Roads, Kings Dominion Host Annual EFM Day

By Michael Granville
USO of Hampton Roads

Each year, military family members are shot out of a raging volcano, drenched by wet, wild rides, and catapulted at near light-speed. The children and adults are generally catered to any way they want: standing up, sitting down, hanging upside-down, suspended in thin air and twisted into unusual positions. It might sound like a typical fun day at Kings Dominion, but what makes this so special is that it is for military families with Exceptional Family Members (EFMs) who are terminally ill or otherwise have a progressive, critical illness.

Annually, families from every branch come together to share the day and not only have fun, but also get the opportunity to meet their Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) representatives and interact with other families facing similar medical conditions and needs. The USO of Hampton Roads’ (USOHR) goal is for them to have an opportunity to forget about financial strains, daily challenges, and other stressors that inevitably come from loving and caring for a special needs family member.

The day includes free admission, free parking, special attention from scheduled entertainment and a free picnic lunch – all which is provided by King’s Dominion. Each family is given the necessary accommodations (wheelchairs, strollers) and arrangements are made to have military medical staff familiar with some of the children’s unique conditions in the park and on call for emergencies.

“The USO Kings Dominion Day for EFM families was an awesome event and rewarding in many ways,” said Anthony Duncan, a Navy member who attended the event this year with his family. “We had the unique opportunity to promote what the USO has done, not only for our family, but for many others. Crowds asked why we were wearing those USO T-shirts that grabbed the attention of others, and our deepest smile replied they stand by the side of children in need and give them the opportunity to be recognized in a special way. This is the same USO that provides services all over the country for service men and women.”

This event is also a great example of USOHR’s goal to act as a bridge between the military and civilian communities. Gigi Craig, sales manager at Kings Dominion, who has worked with the USO on this event for many years noted, “Kings Dominion takes great pride in giving back to our military by providing an all inclusive fun day for our military families who are challenged daily with children with extreme special needs. The EFMP USO Kid’s Day allows these families for one day to forget about their everyday challenges and just spend quality time with each other.”

With nine centers and more than 100 programs and services, USOHR is there, keeping families connected and reaching out to all military members, showing them they are NOT alone.

Our military depends on the USO Hampton Roads. The USO of Hampton Roads depends on you.

Please remember to show your support for USOHR by designating CFC #29471.