Spook-tacular Fun: USO Fort Liberty Brings Halloween Magic to Military Families during 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat

The United Service Organizations (USO) at Fort Liberty brought smiles and Halloween joy to over 3,500 military family members on October 19, 2024, during its second annual Trunk or Treat event.

Held at the Soldier Support Center parking lot, this family-friendly event offered a safe space for military children to enjoy the festivities while connecting with their community. The evening was filled with laughter, games, costumes, and a true sense of camaraderie, reflecting the USO’s mission of strengthening the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families.

Rachel Taylor, Center Operations Specialist for the USO at Fort Liberty, emphasized the importance of such events for newly relocated families.

“Having a consistent rotation of new families PCS [permanent change of station] here every year, we hope that large holiday events like our Trunk or Treat will bring people out to interact with their local USO,” said Rachel. “We want to invite people out to enjoy a fun and safe environment for their children and learn about all the meaningful programs the USO offers to our service members and their families”.

The evening included a range of activities, from a pumpkin decorating contest, freshly made cotton candy, yard games, and of course plenty of Halloween treats.

Forty pre-registered vehicles from community partners, including the local John Deere tractor supplier, D.R. Horton, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Texas Roadhouse, Sheetz, the Charlotte Football Club and various other local community partners, participated by decorating trunks and distributing Halloween candy and other treats to children dressed in a delightful array of costumes.

Maria Dubois, a military spouse attending the event with her young children, praised the event’s positive impact on his family. “This is our second year attending Trunk or Treat, and it’s quickly becoming a tradition for us,” Maria said. “ The USO really brings the community together and makes you feel like part of a bigger family, even when you’re far from home.“

For the children, the event was nothing short of magical. Six-year-old Lucy, whose father recently transferred to Fort Liberty, beamed with excitement. “I loved getting candy from all the cars,” said Lucy.

The Trunk or Treat event is part of the broader USO Holidays program, which aims to bring service members and their families together during important occasions throughout the year. The goal is to create opportunities for celebration, reduce stress, and foster positivity, even for those stationed far from their loved ones.

“For some families, special days like Halloween can be a reminder of being away from home,” said Rachel. “By providing programs where people can gather together, the USO fosters camaraderie, stress relief, and a sense of belonging.”

In keeping with this mission, the Fort Liberty Trunk or Treat event was more than just a festive Halloween celebration; it was a way for military families to feel a sense of home and connection. The USO’s commitment to supporting military members through programs like these ensures that every service member and their family has a chance to create joyful memories, despite the challenges of military life.