Published: May 26, 2021
USO Mayport hosted a drive-thru BBQ for military families Wednesday to offer appreciation for their service ahead of the Memorial Day holiday.
The United Service Organization said it expected up to 700 families to pickup a BBQ meal, complete with hot dogs, toys for the kids, and more.
The organization provides support to military families.
The center’s director, Joyce Schellhorn, said the need is even greater during the pandemic, because many lost their second income.
The drive-thru event was sponsored by CSX and Blue Star Families. CSX said one in every five employees are military personnel.
“They’re here, they’re out on those front lines. We are here to give them complete appreciation,”
Tammi McGriff, a CSX customer solutions manager, said.
Blue Star Families is a non-profit organization helping connect military families to the community.
“They land here and we want them to know that they have a place, a friend, a way to feel belonging in this community,” Wendy Layton said.
She’s been in Jacksonville for nearly 26 years and started came to Northeast Florida as a Navy wife.
CBS 47
Volunteers cook up Memorial Day BBQ for military families
May 26, 2021
Posted In: Blue Star Summer, CSX