Bob’s is proud to support USO New England by helping to furnish their newly relocated and renovated center at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was recently held for the new center located in the Dealey Center Theater at the Naval Submarine Base and features a welcoming space for military personnel and families to take a break and access many of the programs and services provided by the USO and its volunteers.
Since opening in June 2021, the USO New England Center has played an essential role in supporting Sailors and their families. Working in harmony with the base’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Program, the center provides a welcoming place to relax, recharge, and connect—whether that means grabbing a snack, spending time with loved ones, or simply feeling a little closer to home.
Now triple the size of the previous center, the new center offers features computer workstations and refreshments on one side and a recreation center on the other, which features Bob’s recliners, side chairs, and coffee tables.
“The renovation project in New London has been deeply meaningful for our service members and their families,” said Jennifer Thompson, Executive Director, USO NE & NY. “Creating a refreshed, welcoming space where they can connect, recharge, and feel supported makes a real difference in their day-to-day well-being. This project reflects the care and gratitude our community feels for those who serve.”
Ramesh Murthy, Bob’s Chief Operating Officer, attended the ribbon cutting for the center with Rob Bogan, Bob’s Chief Technology Officer. “The new USO New England Center is a valuable resource for military members and families and Bob’s is honored to help make the space into a home-away-from-home for those who live on base,” said Ramesh.
The ceremony for the new center was attended by many sailors and families on base as well as Navy Capt. Kenneth Curtin Jr. who was the 53rd Commanding Officer of Naval Submarine Base New London from 2021 to 2025. “The demands of the submarine community are unlike any other,” he said. “Long, often silent deployments. Extended separation. Our sailors carry this weight. And if they cannot find a true place of respite here on the home front, how can we truly expect them to maintain peak readiness?”
The center project was made possible by a $145,000 Lowe’s Hometowns grant and in-kind services from Driven 365 construction services.
A Strong Partnership
Bob’s first joined forces with USO as a charitable partner in 2025 as part of its entry into North Carolina. In addition to fundraising in store to support the USO North Carolina operations, Bob’s also furnished the USO Center at Camp Lejune.
Bob’s is currently supporting the USO in all stores across America through the Café Collections for a Cause program – Bob’s will match all donations made in store in the on-the-house cafés and online up to $75,000 through March 31. Bob’s is also supporting the USO through the Plushies for Charity program through the end of 2026. Bob’s will contribute $5 from the sale of every Little Bob plushie to the USO.
