Volunteer Spotlight: USO Japan

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 Japan

The USO Japan team is made up of 15 employees who support about 96,000 U.S. service members and their families. With four centers (USO Iwakuni, USO Sasebo, USO Yokota and USO Yokosuka), an unstaffed lounge (USO Camp Fuji) and outreach operations at other military installations throughout the country, the area’s 670 plus volunteers are crucial. The care and dedication provided by these individuals enables USO Japan to make our military community feel right at home despite being stationed thousands of miles away in a foreign country.

Meet some of these friendly faces:

Geri Haradon

Location: USO Sasebo, Japan

Length of service: Volunteering with Sasebo the last seven months, previously with USO Ramstein, Germany for two years from 1999-2001.

What inspired you to volunteer?

Service to the unaccompanied service members. It is so key that single and/or unaccompanied service members have connections while overseas and away from home.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

Love helping and being there for the service member.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

Driving the USO van in Germany to a Volksmarch event and eating brotchen sandwich at 10 a.m. after a six mile hike.

Jhing Comia

Location: USO Sasebo, Japan

Length of service: Volunteering for the last three years

What inspired you to volunteer?

I’m so happy to watch all volunteers working as a family, no pressure, just having fun while volunteering.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

My favorite part is when we are preparing foods for all our sailors and doing special events for the spouses and kids.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

Love all the memories we have together, and I am looking forward to having more memories working with Marielle, Kristina, Cristine [the USO Sasebo staff] and all our volunteers.

Abby Ramon

Location: USO Yokosuka, Japan

Length of service: Volunteering since March 2024

What inspired you to volunteer?

I was inspired to volunteer at the USO because I’ve always had a soft spot for supporting others, especially those who serve. I wanted to give back in a meaningful way, and the USO felt like the perfect place to share kindness, smiles and little extra care with those who truly deserve it.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

My favorite part about volunteering at the USO is seeing the smiles and hearing the laughs - it’s the little moments of joy that make it so special. I love making people feel welcomed and appreciated.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

One of my favorite memories at the USO was helping with the baby shower- we got to celebrate the sweetest moms-to-be! Seeing their smiles, excitement and feeling all the love in the room was such a heartwarming experience I’ll never forget!

Blanca Mendiola

Location: USO Yokosuka, Japan

Length of service: Volunteering since November 2024

What inspired you to volunteer?

I enjoy giving back to the community. I love that I can pick what events and time I can help. Also, these Sailors are away from home and need someone who cares, somewhere to do something and feel welcome.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

When Sailors share their gratitude for what we do at USO for them.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

Midweek madness trivia is always a great time. It’s interesting to see how much fun the sailors have.

Kaylee Fuller

Location: USO Yokosuka, Japan

Length of service: Volunteering for last six months

What inspired you to volunteer?

As a military veteran and military spouse, I really wanted to give back to the community in a more hands-on way. I know firsthand how important it is to feel welcomed and supported, especially in a new place. I love helping active duty members and their families feel more at home and hopefully helping them make some meaningful connections along the way.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

Tot Time is definitely one of my favorite events. I genuinely enjoy spending time with the kids and seeing their little faces light up!

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

One thing that really sticks with me is seeing friendships start during Coffee Connections and then watching those same people continue hanging out long after the event is over. It’s such a great reminder that what we’re doing is making a real impact in building community.

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Volunteer Today!

Want to be a part of the 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.