From Japan to the Indian Ocean With Love: How USO Yokota Boosted Unit's Morale Miles Away

The USO prides itself on going where they go, supporting service members wherever their duties may take them. Sometimes, a team may have months to plan for larger exercises, where the support comes in a temporary tent with air conditioning and streaming services. Other times, the support requires a quick turnaround and may be in a surprise delivery of games and snacks or even restocking one of the organization’s floating centers onboard a Naval vessel. Regardless, it is with the help of community partners and passionate individuals that allows the USO to continuously expand our support to even the most remote locations.

Teamwork

In April, staff and volunteers at USO Yokota in Japan collaborated with military leadership to bring care packages and games to military personnel deployed to Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia. Located in the British Indian Ocean Territory, the tropical atoll houses United States Navy and Air Force personnel stationed to support forward deployed units. Currently, there is no physical USO center at Deigo Garcia, emphasizing the importance of the organization’s ability to provide support when able.

For 36 Mission Support Group (MSG) Detachment 1, the request was for care package items and games to help keep morale high. USO Yokota staff and volunteers quickly collected and packed a variety of toiletries, sunscreen, snacks and more. These care packages accompanied several card and board games to be shared amongst the 150 plus service members. Due to great community relationships, the USO Yokota team was able to expedite delivery to Deigo Garcia by collaborating with the Yokota Air Base Air Terminal Manager. In a matter of days, the deployed personnel received the surprise delivery.

“The supplies were perfect,” expressed Maj. Ariana Green, commander of 36 MSG, Det 1. “They were both necessary items we were running out of like shampoo and fun items that raised peoples’ spirits for a little bit. Half the fun is opening the packages and the surprise inside.”

The operation was initially expected to be shorter but was extended due to the needs of the Department of Defense. Though miles away and on the other side of the equator in Japan, the tight-knit community at Yokota Air Base were able to boost morale and provide needed items to service members when it mattered most.

“It’s just really nice to be reminded that someone cares, is listening and willing to take the time to put something together and send it,” stated Ariana. “On operations like these that are supposed to be quick and then drag on for a while, people in the outside world have a tendency to move on with their lives (which they should as they have important things too) and forget there is someone on an island living in a tent where it’s hot and humid just trying to do the job they were told to do.”

Request Unit Support

The USO has shipped more than 24,000 USO2GO kits to remote places around the world. Whether it is gaming equipment or hygiene needs, teams throughout the organization are prepared to provide needed support for your unit. Request assistance here.