Learning how to budget for the last days before a payday can be a complicated mission, thankfully a program is combatting these financial hiccups with complimentary meals like prime rib.

The United Service Organization Northwest (USONW) celebrated their 50th "No Dough Dinners" for airmen of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Feb. 21 during lunch at the USONW Shali Center, located on JBLM.

"This program is important in creating comradery among our guests and our fabulous volunteers and primarily has been created to provide a remarkable meal to break up the work week for our military guests," said USONW Shali Center director of operations, Andrew Oczkewicz.  "We call it a No Dough Meal since they were designed to be right before payday when our servicemembers might be low on dough.

Typically, these complimentary special meals are served as a dinner option, but are also being served as a lunch option due to popular demand.

"Attendance is typically boosted during work hours due to the fact that dozens of servicemembers are already eating a complimentary daily lunch at the USO center anyway, as they offer complimentary daily meals and snacks."

The "No Dough Dinners" program, originally named the "Pay Pig-out," first began at the Japan USO location and spread onto JBLM back in 2012.

USONW invites a different JBLM military unit each month and serves lunch or dinner to more than a 100.  

The USONW Shali Center director of operations, Andrew Oczkewicz, is often seen at the hundreds of USONW events taking place, as well as providing supplies and snacks for servicemembers throughout the year.

Taking care of servicemembers has always been a family affair for Andrew, as the special chef and prime rib sponsor for the event was none other than his very own brother.

"Our chef Paul Oczkewicz prepared the very first No Dough Meal back in January 2012, and being that this was our 50th "No Dough," he wanted to make it extra special," said Oczkewicz.  "Hence the prime rib."

Servicemembers enjoyed a succulent prime rib lunch served with all the fixins.

"The complete menu is prime rib with au jus and horse radish, creamed corn, mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese, bacon and green onions, and even Italian sodas," said Oczkewicz.

The 50th annual "No Dough Dinner" fed more than 150 servicemembers with some volunteers traveling over an hour's time just to assist with this event.

Individuals or businesses can sponsor a "No Dough Dinner" and are also invited to dine with the servicemembers.

The complimentary meals become even more popular during the summer months.

"In July and August we host the dinners outdoors on the lawn next to the USO Shali Center so we can serve many more and have music and inflatables," said Oczkewicz. "We basically treat them like a big family picnic."

These popular free meals will only continue to grow as the USO's hold on JBLM continues to grow as well.

"Recently, we have mostly been serving airmen from the McChord side of JBLM," said Oczkewicz.  "However, when we open the new USO Center on the Fort Lewis side, we'll be ready to serve these dinners at a very easy-to-get-to location for all.

The center is planned to open in approximately three to four months.

USONW serves families throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. For more information on the event and to sponsor a lunch or dinner, call Oczkewicz at 253.589.8772 or 253.982.1100.