Here For Those Who Serve: How USO Okinawa Centers Are Uplifting Units Across The Island

At the heart of every island breeze, jungle trail, airstrip and hangar across Okinawa, there’s a common thread of connection, care and commitment—it’s the presence of USO Okinawa. With six centers spread throughout the island, each uniquely attuned to the needs of their surrounding communities, the USO is making a powerful and lasting impact on the lives of our service members. From pre-deployment send-offs and remote jungle morale drops to hydration during massive field meets and simple acts of kindness in hospital hallways, our mission remains the same- to be there for those who serve, no matter where they are. This unwavering dedication takes many forms, shaped by the unique needs of each moment and location.

USO Kadena At USO Kadena, the commitment to supporting our nation’s heroes was on full display when 70 members of the repatriation mission team and the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, returning from Laos, were stranded at the terminal due to travel restrictions. Rather than letting them go unnoticed, the center sprang into action by delivering warm pizza and personalized snack bags.

“This truly made my day,” one service member shared. “It’s great to know we have support and that we aren’t forgotten—just like those we work to bring home.”

USO Kinser Over at USO Kinser, where more than 2,500 Marines and Sailors from 3D Marine Logistics Group, made up of Combat Logistics Regiment-37, 3D Sustainment Group Experimental, 3D Medical Battalion, 3D Dental Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment-3 and 9th Engineer Support Battalion, gathered for the 3D Marine Logistics Group’s Annual Field Meet. USO staff and volunteers were among the few providing critical hydration under the Okinawan sun. With upbeat music, snacks and smiles, they helped turn a competitive day into a unifying one.

One Marine noted, “The USO really pulled through for this event, being that it was one of the only entities that provided water. It was also nice to have non-service members there to cheer us on throughout the many events.”

USO Schwab In the dense heat of Camp Gonsalves, USO Schwab hiked out to the Jungle Warfare Training Center (JWTC) to bring cold drinks and encouragement to 204 muddy, fatigued Marines and Navy Corpsmen of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, along with Marines stationed at JWTC, undergoing grueling field exercises. The impact was immediate and deeply felt.

After the USO left, Marines began shouting, “Do it for the USO,” as a rallying cry through the rest of their exercises. Captain Knott, the unit leader, called it “that glimpse of hope” from the USO that helped his Marines push forward.

USO Foster USO Foster reminded us that appreciation comes in all forms, big or small. For National Nurses Week, their team hand-delivered coffee and pastries to 104 military nurses and Okinawa Nurses Association nurses at the U.S. Naval Hospital on Camp Foster.

“The smiles were priceless,” said USO Foster Center Operations Manager Christi Brent.

These nurses, who give so much of themselves every day, were shown they are deeply valued by their wider community.

USO Futenma At USO Futenma, the team stood side-by-side with squadron leadership and spouses to support the VMM-265 Marines as they prepared for deployment. More than 400 service members received snacks and drinks, but, more importantly, they felt seen and appreciated.

USO Futenma Center Operations Manager Will Stanley states that “sending everyone off on a good note and high morale” was the goal—and it was fully achieved.

USO Hansen And finally, USO Hansen brought together more than 1,000 engineers from across the U.S. military and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force—including the 15th Brigade (JGSDF), MWSS 172, 18 FSS, Navy Seabees, and 4th Regiment UDP engineers, 9th ESB and AFN—for the Okinawa-Wide Field Engineer Games. This wasn’t just a competition, it was a symbol of unity and respect.

“This was more than just a competition, it was a chance to see how each unit tackles problems differently, and to walk away with respect for one another,” said a participating Marine engineer from 9th ESB. “It’s not every day you get to run in events next to a Seabee and a JGSDF engineer.”

Throughout the day, they shared stories, techniques and encouragement that strengthened bonds beyond their individual branches—laying the groundwork for real-world cooperation.

Whether it’s unit support, a field of competitors or a simple display of appreciation, the message is loud and clear: You belong here. At every USO Okinawa center, we don’t just serve snacks or play music, we serve connection. We serve gratitude. We serve home.