Rach joined the USO this week to thank the men and women stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Trenton, New Jersey, for their service to the nation.
Air Force Colonel Neil Richardson, the base’s Installation Commander, hosted Rachael throughout her visit. Their first stop was to see the base’s K9 security forces perform obedience, obstacle, and bomb detection demonstrations, led by kennel master Navy Master at Arms 1st Class Stefan Molinaro.
Rachael also had the opportunity to tour the inside of an Air Force C-17 -- an aircraft large enough to transport tanks and 18-wheelers -- led by its pilot, Air Force Capt. Kristina Himmelreich. Additionally, Rachael learned how C-17s are refueled midair from Air Force Master Sgt. Jessica Stockwell, who pilots a KC-10 refueling aircraft.
The final stop on her tour was to the base’s dining facility, where she joined lead military chef, Master Sgt. Xerex “Rex” Santella, in serving lunch to servicemen and women.
With the help of the local USO chapter, Liberty USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, Rach was able to personally thank men and women stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst who have a special passion for food and cooking.
"I was so honored to take part in this day,” Rach said.
"I think we all agree in this country, no matter what we disagree about, the one thing we’re all truly grateful for on Thanksgiving, on Veterans Day, on every day of the year, very humbly, we give our thanks and our love to our military."
For more than 76 years, the USO, a private, nonprofit organization, has served the men and women of the U.S. military and their families throughout their service -- from the moment they join, through their deployments and as they transition back to their communities.
Watch moments from her visit in the video above!
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