Fort Drum— The USO on Fort Drum held their first “Portraits of Love” this Monday and today in support of soldiers either getting ready to deploy or are currently deployed. The United Service Organization was grateful to have three experienced photographers available for military families, hoping to capture lasting memories with loved ones.
ABC50 spoke with Director of the Fort Drum, USO Karen Clark. Ms Clark explained how “Portraits of Love” is a wonderful opportunity for families to have professional pictures taken at no cost. “Portraits of Love” reflects the many opportunities and supportive resources available to military families at the USO.
One wife of a soldier that is getting ready to deploy, Adah Marie Chhum said that her husband was deploying in January. “We just wanted to have pictures taken because we don’t really have many pictures of just the two of us and of our family”, said Mrs. Chhum. Mrs. Chhum wanted to capture their memories and the holidays, hoping to send copies to her husband when he is deployed.
Army wife of a deployed soldier, Mary Introvigne explained the hardship of having her husband away. Mrs. Introvigne told ABC50, “He has missed out on so much. I want to send him updates of us, his son Dominic is getting so big. He is missing some important months in our lives.” Mrs. Introvigne said that she was ready to have her husband come back home safely and that her husband is expected to return sometime by the fall of next year.
The USO is a non-profit organization, which provides numerous free programs for active duty military and their families. The types of programs available range from supporting families that have lost a soldier, to sending care packages to deployed soldiers and providing live entertainment. There are many more programs available that folks may not be aware of on the USO program's page.
For more information on the local Fort Drum, USO you can visit their office at 10502 S. Riva Ridge Loop, Fort Drum or call 315-777-8006.
