Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast Donations Support USO Canine Programs

By Tess Fegan

Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter

The USO Canine Program is one of the USO’s most popular programs with our Nation’s service members, and our partners took notice. Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast has donated $25,000 to further support our operations and programs, with a focus on expanding our USO Canine Program in New England, to upstate New York at our USO Fort Drum Center and in local Coca-Cola distribution centers.

“Part of our Mission, Vision, and Values at Coke Northeast is to make a positive impact on the communities we are fortunate to serve. Coca-Cola has a long-standing partnership with the USO, and we were excited to find a way to enhance that partnership locally to help bring this innovative and life changing therapy program to more service members and their families,” said Susannah Smith, Senior Director of Public Affairs & Communications.

Moet with a service member at USO Westover Center | Photo credit Westover Air Reserve Base

In addition to our favorite furry friends, Molson and Moet who have been volunteering since 2022 and have totaled over 150 volunteer hours with their owner Adrianne, you’ll soon be able to meet Otto in New London and Maverick in the Boston area. Additionally, we are hopeful to add one more canine friend in upstate New York area later this year.

Why is this program important? Research shows that interacting with animals can make an incredible difference in someone’s physical and mental health. Further studies have found that petting an animal can lower blood pressure, elevate moods, and decrease anxiety and loneliness.

“This will be a first for us at Naval Submarine Base New London in Connecticut,” said USO Center Supervisor Rebecca Karun. “We will work with the commands to bring our USO Canine’s to the service members wherever they are working on base. Whenever they want us – monthly, weekly – we’ll find the rhythm that works for each individual command!”

Molson, Moet and Ophelia with their handler Adrianne with a service member at USO Westover Center | Photo credit Westover Air Reserve Base

Want to know how to get involved and volunteer at the USO? Maybe you’ll even meet our 4-legged volunteers! Visit volunteers.uso.org to get started.

For those in upstate New York, let us know if you’re interested in having your dog volunteer with the USO Canine Program. Reach out to Chris Paige at the USO Fort Drum Center for more info: cpaige@uso.org

To learn more and support our critical mission around the globe, please visit: uso.org

More from USO