USO of Metropolitan Washington established Turkeys for Troops in 2008 to assist lower enlisted military families (E5 and below) due to an increase in emergency food requests during the holiday season.
Turkeys for Troops is a program that provides military families with traditional ingredients needed to prepare a Thanksgiving meal for a family of 4-6, including a gift card to purchase a fresh turkey from a local food store.(Note: Due to food safety handling regulations, the holiday meal baskets DO NOT include a turkey. A gift card to a local food store is given to purchase a fresh turkey instead.)
Since its start in 2008 the program has expanded from serving 500 families in 2008 to 1200 military families in 2012 as well as in 2013. This program is made possible through generous donations from our corporate partners and funds raised during an annual telethon held on Veteran's Day.
How to Register and important information:
Turkeys for Troops is open to all active duty service members, E5 and below. Registration opens on October 1, 2013 and closes by midnight October 28, 2013 or until filled. REGISTRATION IS FULL
Key things to remember to register:
- Registration should be completed using the service member's first and last name and the service member's military email address. Any registrations that are completed using any other email address in the first blank for email will not be accepted. If you are the primary contact, there will be an opportunity for you to provide an additional email address further in the registration process.
- Program is open to active duty E5 and below there are no exceptions. You will be required to show military ID when you pick up your items.
- You must provide accurate information for the Senior Enlisted Service Member (E7, E8, E9 or service branch equivalent). You must have your E7, E8, E9 or service branch equivalent rank, first and last name (Ex. CSM John Smith), phone number and correct military email address. If registrations list N/A, Civilian information or just the senior enlisted leader's name to answer the question the registration will be removed and the service member will be asked via email to re-register should space still be available.
- USO-Metro is unable to hold holiday food baskets past the distribution date. Unclaimed holiday food baskets will be distributed to our wait list.
- Once you submit your registration, the location you selected for pick-up cannot be changed.
- If an emergency situation arises and you cannot make the pickup time, please notify us before at 703-888-7602. We will not be able to hold items this year due to lack of storage space.
Please check your calendar. If you cannot make the event please do not register. USO-Metro's cancellation and no-show policy is in effect. If you register and do not show up to pick up your items USO-Metro will take the following actions:
1. You will not be allowed to participate in next year's holiday programs.
2. You will not be eligible to receive tickets through USO-Metro's Ticketline program until July 1, 2014.
3. USO-Metro will notify your Command/Senior Enlisted/E7 or equivalent that you did not show up to pick up your items.
We apologize for being so strict, but space is extremely limited in these programs and those who do not follow through on their commitments take away assistance from another military family that could have used the help.
Please feel free to contact USO-Metro Holiday Programs Team with any questions about this program at 703-888-7602 or usometroholidayprograms@gmail.com.
All information requested in the registration must be completed. Make sure the service member's contact information is correct as we will be validating all email and contact information. If any information provided in your application is false or incomplete the registration will not be processed.
Click here to check out photos from last year!
Questions still? Please contact the holiday hotline at usometroholidayprograms@gmail.com or 703.888.7602.
