Volunteer Spotlight: USO Guam

The USO proudly supported more than 40 percent of service members in 2024 through programs and services at one of our 250 plus centers or through expeditionary efforts and outreach operations around the world. Though the organization employs over 600 passionate individuals, the expansive reach of the USO cannot happen without the vital network of our volunteers.

In the USO Indo-Pacific region, our volunteer force can be found in Alaska to Korea. They range from active and retired military personnel to dependents and more– both human and canine! No matter how long they have been a part of the USO family, every single volunteer plays a significant role in mission delivery.

Join us all week long as we share spotlights of some of the men and women who are the true backbone and heartbeat of the USO Indo-Pacific region.

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USO Guam

The island of Guam is only about 212 square miles, 28 percent of which is U.S. military bases. Despite being a territory of the U.S., service members and their families located on the island often deal with similar challenges to those stationed in foreign countries, such as time difference and travel hardships. Working to ease this stress, the USO Guam team of 12 employees endlessly supports the community at three centers: USO Andersen, USO Naval Base Guam and USO Tumon Bay. Furthermore, staff travels multiple times a year to nearby islands to provide deployment support through outreach operations. With 20,000 plus (and increasing) US military personnel on Guam, these efforts are only possible with the continued assistance of passionate volunteers. Today, we introduce and celebrate several of these dedicated individuals:

Marivic Capati

Location: USO Guam

Length of service: Volunteering since April 2024

What inspired you to volunteer?

What inspired me to volunteer is deeply personal; both my brother and various family members have served in the military as well as my boyfriend who is serving on the USS Springfield. Their heartfelt stories about the USO and the invaluable support they received during their deployments really resonated with me. They often express gratitude for the comfort and resources provided by the USO, which fuels my passion to give back in a meaningful way.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

One of the highlights of my volunteer experience is undoubtedly the joy of cooking. I love sharing my culinary skills with our service members, preparing meals that bring a taste of home to those who are so far away. Additionally, I enjoy assisting with various area programs that we organize to foster community and connection among military families.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

While there have been numerous memorable moments, my favorite has to be the Saipan Christmas Jingle event. That occasion filled me with so much joy as we celebrated the holiday spirit together. The turnout was fantastic as families flooded in, creating a vibrant atmosphere. I set up a festive cookie decorating station, which proved to be a hit not only with the children but also with the parents who eagerly joined in the fun. Watching everyone bond over the shared activity truly encapsulated the heartwarming essence of community and support that the USO embodies.

Stephanie Aguon

Location: USO Andersen, Guam

Length of service: Volunteering since July 2022

What inspired you to volunteer?

My family is my greatest inspiration. I have always wanted to give back to the military since I come from four generations who served and still serve; my father retired in the Navy, my husband retired in the Army, my son was in the Army, my grandson is currently in the Army Reserves, my Father-in-law, daughter and two brothers served in the Air Force, my nephew in the Marines and my other nephew in the Coast Guard.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

I have so many favorites to include meeting and greeting service members and their families from all over, introducing them to our island and culture, helping and supporting them to feel connected, home away from home, family and country. It puts a smile on my face when they smile and enjoy our island, so they can do their best to succeed and complete their mission for the military here.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

Simply put, I just enjoy coming to the USO and doing what needs to be done, most especially during the exercises and special events. The most rewarding experience is knowing we made a difference as a team when someone is having a busy or hectic day, the service member drops in for a quick hotdog or hot snack and walks out with a smile as they rush back to work.  Those are my everyday highlights at USO.

I could go on and on about all the awesome events going on at the center, but I just have to say the best memories are the days when my five-year-old grandson loved coming to support our events and he wanted to be a part of what I enjoyed doing. Caleb would wait for me with his Papa and sister in the family room as I was finishing up my last hour at USO. The people there must have made an impression on him because he wanted to be a soldier like his dad.

Mickayla Chavez

Location: USO Andersen, Guam

Length of service: Volunteering since February 2024

What inspired you to volunteer?

When I first arrived on the island, I was in the dorms and I really wanted to be out in public but I had no vehicle at the time. I walked into the USO and it was the holiday season, the center looked beautiful and I didn’t feel so alone. I was treated with nothing but kindness when I walked in and I knew I wanted to be a part of that team.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

My favorite part about volunteering is meeting people and being able to make their day a little brighter.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

I have had so many great memories at the USO, but the most memorable would have to be receiving the Volunteer of the Quarter award. It really came out of nowhere and I was so happy and grateful.

Taylor Whitson

Location: USO Andersen, Guam

Length of service: Volunteering since May 2024

What inspired you to volunteer?

The USO was instrumental during our overseas PCS, and I knew I wanted to give back the generosity our family had received from all of the volunteers we encountered along the way.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

Being a part of a community that is giving back to those who serve, and knowing we are all united under the same goal. The friendships made along the way is the cherry on top!

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

I spend the majority of my volunteer hours doing the beach yoga outreach. It has been incredible to see the progress attendees have made month after month and hearing their excitement when they realize how strong and incredible they truly are! Connecting and growing together with such a beautiful backdrop never gets old.

Jennifer Reitblatt

Location: USO Naval Base Guam

Length of service: Volunteering since October 2024

What inspired you to volunteer?

What inspired me to volunteer was a recommendation from a friend who had a positive experience volunteering at Naval Base Guam. They spoke highly of the sense of community, the meaningful impact of the work and how rewarding it was to be involved in supporting service members and their families.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

The variety of people we get to see and helping with programs.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

Doing our survey questions. I love seeing the variety of answers and reasons behind their answers.

Cassandra Thornton

Location: USO Naval Base Guam

Length of service: Volunteering since August 2024

What inspired you to volunteer?

I had come in as a patron and wanted to understand all that volunteers do here. I think it’s helpful to have a perspective as both a patron and as a volunteer.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

Helping set up in the mornings. It always gives me a great start to my day.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

I don’t have just one. I love sharing many jokes and laughs with staff and other volunteers. We always having a good time.

Angela “Angie” Camacho

Location: USO Tumon Bay, Guam

Length of service: Volunteering since March 2017, previously volunteered at USO Andersen, Guam

What inspired you to volunteer?

What inspired me were my friends that used to volunteer in 2016 and 2017. They recommended me to volunteer and said I would like it. They were right!

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

My favorite part would be the people - from guests to fellow volunteers and the USO staff. I enjoy meeting new people and hearing many fun stories from the people that I meet.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

My favorite memory was when we used to be located in the Royal Orchid location, and I had the opportunity to lead the Hafa Adai Friday meals during Mes Chamoru because I was able to share some local recipes that I’ve learned over the years from my family, which contributed for me to be elected Volunteer of the Quarter in Spring 2018.

Nhi Pham

Location: USO Tumon Bay, Guam

Length of service: Volunteering since November 2023

What inspired you to volunteer?

As an active duty service member, I appreciate the USO Mission in providing America’s military members a place to find resources and support through various programs and services. I want to be part of the USO legacy in serving and giving back to our military community.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

My favorite part about being a volunteer is I have the opportunity to meet and make new friends who share the same passion in providing hospitality and support to military members and their families.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

I remembered helping with the Future Innovator program and I helped a kid build a do-it-yourself Wooden Propelled Plane. It brought back memories from my childhood’s fun and games.

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Volunteer Today

Would you like to also give back to the military community? If you are interested in welcoming guests, packing and delivering snack bags, helping with various programs or more in support of those sacrificing for our country, becoming a USO volunteer may be perfect for you! Learn how you can begin your journey here.