On Tuesday, March 24, USO USO Camp Fuji staff and two volunteers  from Yokota Fussa Church hosted “Free Food at Fuji.”  Despite the rain, 44 marines -2 Okinawa Inspection officers, a Chaplain, one Army reserve duty from the states and 40 Fuji Marines - chowed down on free food and soft drinks.

Center Operations Manager Suk Cha Lucas said the event was a big success, and the “Marines appreciated USO for supporting them in many ways…We talked and laughed like we are family.”  Check out some pictures below!

[caption id=“attachment_1624” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Although the rain drove them indoors, it was still a great cookout for Marines at USO Camp Fuji.”][/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_1625” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Troops at Camp Fuji relax with a free meal and enjoy some downtime in the USO Center.”][/caption]

On Wednesday, March 24, USO Directors from Hawaii, Japan, Okinawa and Korea met with USO Regional Vice President Thomas Kolstad at USO Guam in Tumon.  Guam is a constant hub of activity in the Pacific, serving approximately 30,000 service members and their families; over 30,000 more are served outside the center.

As reported by Laura Matthews of the Pacific Daily News, the meeting brought together regional leaders in order to strengthen the range of programs and services they offer.  "It’s important that we continue to have teamwork across the Pacific,“ Kolstad said. "We have a responsibility for taking care of the men and women in the U.S. military and for sharing information on what new adventures and events are coming up.”  Get to know your USO Pacific staff below!

[caption id=“attachment_1626” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“USO personnel are photographed in front of the USO facility in Tumon. Pictured in front, from left, are Jarrett Ota, Remichel Tharps, Judy Decker, Juliet Bucayu, Elizabeth Lee, Eva Laird, Betsy McWhirt and Leigh Leilani Graham. In back, from left are Tom Kolstad, James Embry, Julia Gregory, Renae Whited, Jeff Herndon, Nicole Darity and Dave Proch. (Louis J. Paulino/For Pacific Daily News)”]USO Guam[/caption] Finally, as reported by Lance Cpl. Kentavist P. Brackin of Marine Corps Bases Japan, Camp Hansen USO is celebrating 34 years of service this month.  Camp Hansen - along with the USO at Camp Schwab - serves between 6,000 and 7,000 Troops each year.  Center Manager Lee Kramvik, himself a retired Marine, emphasized that “Our main mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation for the troops.  The island USOs are places where friendly staff and volunteers welcome and interact with the troops to provide a comfortable place to spend some time.”  Congratulations on 34 years of service, Camp Hansen, and here’s to many more! [caption id=“attachment_1627” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“The Hansen USO celebrates its 34th anniversary of serving personnel on the island since 1976, this month. (Publicly released photo by Lance Cpl. Kentavist P. Brackin)”]Camp Hansen USO[/caption]