Atlantic Diving Supply and the USO

The United Service Organization (USO) works to strengthen America’s proud military service members and keep them connected to their families, home and country throughout their service.

It’s a mission Atlantic Diving Supply has been proud to support for more than a decade, with our employees volunteering at numerous USO of South Hampton Roads events throughout the year to support the military service members who so bravely serve us.

“The USO does an amazing job giving back to those that give everything to our country,” said ADS SierraPOD Supervisor Tracy Anderson.

ADS has long been a proud sponsor of the USO’s Patriotic Park during Warrior Week, a one-of-a-kind event in Virginia Beach that honors wounded, ill, or injured service members and their families. Now, following the pandemic, Warrior Week has been reimagined as a summerlong event called The USO Experience Virginia Beach 2021 in an effort to reduce crowd sizes and increase the fun, according to USO Southeast Regional Development Manager Chelsea Lynch.

The event in Virginia Beach is the nation’s largest USO Experience. It now runs from June through September, with accessible activities for all military members, including those facing physical or emotional challenges following combat.

“There’s paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, skydiving, community workouts and so much more,” Lynch said. “It’s a lot of fun for all the military service members, their families and civilians, and participation has exceeded all of our expectations. Every event is reaching maximum capacity!”

ADS does more than sponsor events financially, of course. Employees are encouraged to volunteer for USO and other community events they believe in.

Just recently, Anderson and her daughter volunteered for the USO’s Battle of the Brave, a crowd favorite that works to bridge the gap between military and civilian families. Service members compete against civilians in a true best-of-the-best competition, all culminating in a heartwarming closing ceremony.

“The support each service member gave each other ... was overwhelming,” Anderson said. “It was a day filled with encouragement and hard work and a lot of sweat. Giving back to the world’s finest is the best feeling in the world.”

Thanks to the USO for everything you do for our service members and their families!