U.S.O. holiday party connects military families

SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y. (WWNY) - U.S.O. Fort Drum is bringing families of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade together for the holidays.

Saturday was the second time the organization has thrown a holiday party at the Sackets Harbor Ballroom.

U.S.O. Fort Drum director Cheryl Christie says the party helps connect families while their loved ones are serving overseas.

Margaret Coe owns the ballroom and opened the space for the party.

Derrick Lewis works at Armed Forces Bank on Fort Drum, which is one of the monetary sponsors.

They say the event is close to both of them.

“My son is in the Navy, and he’s overseas, and he’s used the U.S.O.,” said Coe.

“I actually retired after 10th CAB. So I spent the last seven years of my career within this unit. It’s kind of like a way of giving back to the unit that hosted me throughout the last duration of my career,” said Lewis.

The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade is currently serving in Afghanistan.

Christie says close to 200 people came to the party.

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