Over the past two months in between training, classes and their various other duties at Naval Staton Great Lakes, three young sailors volunteered their time to hand paint an original mural featuring famous cartoon characters in the USO Center Great Lakes Kids Room. Each designed their own wall, choosing to paint their favorite characters from their childhood.
    FC3 Avery Wilson said, “I wanted to give kids something to look at from my generation of Looney Tunes.” The USO Center at Great Lakes is a home away from home for sailors and their families stationed in or around Great Lakes. Wilson, originally from Norfolk, Va., who has been at Great Lakes for 18 months says “I love the USO, it’s my escape.”
    FCSN Conner Stevens agreed by saying, “The USO takes the stress off of being on base.” A fan of Disney films, Stevens painted a mural of his favorite characters from “The Lion King” and Aladdin films. “I’ve always liked to draw and I wanted to help out,” said Stevens. Originally from the small town of Magalia, Calif., Stevens has spent 16 months at the naval station.
    The idea to update the USO Great Lakes Kids Room came from FCSN Kori Hopkins as a way to give back to the USO. Having been at Great Lakes for 17 months, Hopkins stated, “I love all the different things the USO offers. I love the Girl Scout Cookies, the pool tables and all the other free things. Here you don’t have to stress.” Hopkins painted a unique mural of characters from her favorite Disney films and Dr. Seuss books she read as a child.
    USO Great Lakes is a multifaceted complex where service members can enjoy rest, relaxation and recreation. The USO Great Lakes Kids Room is a special place for families to spend time together. It is a place where kids can make arts and crafts, play games, jam with their favorite musical instrument, watch movies or even put on a puppet show.
    The USO of Illinois wishes to thank Avery, Conner and Kori for making the USO Great Lakes Kids Room so special.