Stars and Stripes makes lumpia with the USO

USO volunteers prepping food behind a counter (Kristen Thoennes)

USO Warrior Center hosts a monthly coffee connections event geared towards spouses in the KMC and in July 2025, Stars and Stripes went to see what it was all about. To attend a coffee connection, one must register in advance. This particular Coffee Connection featured a lumpia class.

A USO volunteer demonstrated how to make lumpia based on her own recipe and all the attendees were able to roll lumpia. After we finished rolling, the USO volunteers cooked them, and we enjoyed tasting the fruits of our labor. It was an excellent way to learn a new recipe and appreciate the hard work that goes into making this traditional Filipino dish.

Row of food ingredients sitting on a counter with volunteers prepping (Kristen Thoennes)

Coffee Connections events are a good opportunity for military spouses in the community to come together to learn from each other. We talked about upcoming travel, shared recommendations and bonded over military life struggles. Click here to learn more about USO Coffee Connections and to find an event near you.