The El Paso Community Foundation and the Cardwell Foundation have made a grant to the USO El Paso to support soldiers in mandatory quarantine. Here is a statement from the El Paso Community Foundation:
The $60,000 grant — from the Cardwell Foundation and the Julie and Jim Cardwell Fund in the El Paso Community Foundation — will help USO El Paso support troops being placed in mandatory quarantine upon returning from Europe, some from high -risk areas. The gift will pay for toiletries and hygiene products, such as soap and shaving cream, snacks and other needs for the returning troops.
There are already several soldiers on the ground on a 14-day observation protocol with more expected to arrive within the next several days. The quarantine period will restart if a service member becomes symptomatic and/or tests positive. Symptomatic soldiers will be quarantined in a training area on Fort Bliss, according to Yolanda Castillo, USO El Paso Director.
“We cannot adequately express the impact this support will make to those serving the nation and coming home in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. This gift will go a long way,” Castillo said.
The Cardwell Foundation is affiliated with the El Paso Community Foundation.