Soldiers and Sailors Receive Warm Surprise, Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day with USO South Carolina

Few beverages are as deep-rooted in the culture of Americans’ collective childhood quite like hot chocolate. This drink reminds us of snowy days and sledding, or a quiet day just gazing out the window watching the snow fall from the comfort of our favoriting sitting chair.

Hot chocolate is thick, silky, toasty, and usually smothered in marshmallow or whipped cream, and no other beverage brings warmth to our lives and tastebuds quite like hot chocolate.

Thanks to USO South Carolina and their partnership with the local Starbucks, dozens of South Carolina National Guard Soldiers and over 100 Navy Individual Augmentee Sailors conducting training at McCrady Training Center, in Eastover South Carolina were able to take a break and cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate, as they celebrated National Hot Chocolate Day with the USO, Jan. 31.

“Providing a touch of home for service members is at the heart of the USO’s mission. What better way to bring a touch of home than to celebrate a fun holiday with soldiers and sailors at McCrady Training Center,” said Katie Kennedy, Senior Operations and Programs Manager, USO South Carolina. “The hot chocolate warmed their hands on this chilly January day while the USO volunteers warmed their spirits.”

Throughout a service member’s military journey, it is often the little things that lifts the spirits the spirits and warm their hearts, and National Hot Chocolate Day did just that for these soldiers and sailors.

“It’s nice to know that someone is going out of their way for you,” said Petty Officer Second Class Brandon Archer.

The gallons of hot chocolate including marshmallows, sprinkles, syrup whip cream and more, were graciously provided by the local Starbucks located at 2408 Augusta Road, West Columbia, S.C.