USO Okinawa Furthers Support of Soldiers During Milestone Birthday

June 14, 2025, a normal Saturday for many. For the United States Army, it marks 250 years of bravery, dedication, grit and unity – a day that celebrates the heritage of the country’s oldest military branch. What began with the Second Continental Congress establishing the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War in 1775 has now led to 250 years of defending freedom for the United States and our allies, taking soldiers all across the world.

In the Indo-Pacific region, the Army has a heavy presence in Japan and South Korea with soldiers also located in Guam and Okinawa. This is in addition to those stationed in the region’s two states of Alaska and Hawaii. Thus, USO teams across the region have been partaking in celebratory events and programs throughout the week. Whether a formal ball or a laid-back affair, the USO is honored to support the men and women of the Army as we come together to mark the major milestone.

Birthday at the Beach

Okinawa, Japan is home to ten U.S. military installations, a majority related to the United States Marine Corps with more than 19,000 Marines, sailors and their families stationed on the island. Kadena Air Base, which houses nearly 18,000 airmen and their families, is another predominant U.S. military base. However, along the eastern coast lies U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Okinawa, also known as Torii Station, home of the 10th Support Group.

With six physical locations throughout Okinawa, the USO provides for service members and families through amenities, events and programs at each of the centers. However, sometimes that support is needed outside of the four walls. Thus, teams are ready to go where our troops go – sometimes it may be in the form of a care package to deployed units or it is support of a family event. Due to the Armed Forces demographics in the area, this support is largely Air Force or Marine Corps focused. However, the USO Okinawa team had the opportunity to extend this display of love to our friends at the U.S. Army when invited to join the Army Birthday celebration at Torii Station on June 6.

“We’re proud to provide support and outreach to the Torii Station community,” expressed USO Okinawa Area Operations Specialist Mari Velasquez. “Since there isn’t a dedicated USO center on the installation, events like this are especially meaningful. They give us a chance to show up in person and remind service members that the USO is here for them—no matter where they’re stationed.”

Inspired by the tropical island life, the affair traded dressy clothes for more casual attire and embraced the installation’s beautiful setting along the coast. The Army’s heralded history and traditions were still honored with a ceremony to open the event but was followed with a birthday party for the whole family. With warm temperatures and sunny skies, the weather was ideal for a day of friendly competition as soldiers played games of beach volleyball, football and more, while families enjoyed bounce houses and a dip in the water. The change from a formal affair to a birthday beach bash was a decision made by the Army Garrison to allow for a lower stress, reduced cost event that promoted an increased participation.

“Recognizing the desire to create an inclusive and accessible celebration for all Soldiers - one that moves away from traditional, higher cost events and embraces a format that everyone could enjoy - the Garrison thoughtfully reached out to the USO for assistance in supporting our Soldiers,” explained Maj. Bradley Mravik, the Group S6 officer for 10th Support Group.

While everyone was working up an appetite, USO Okinawa staff and volunteers were manning the grills. The team supplied and prepared 500 hamburgers and 1,000 hot dogs, along with condiments and 750 bags of chips with water, juice and soft drinks. The meal was topped off with a choice of chocolate chip or sugar cookies. It was an opportunity for the USO to bring a touch of home to the soldiers – in the form of a good ole cookout.

“Supporting the Army’s 250th birthday celebration was a unique opportunity for USO Okinawa to bring a sense of connection, appreciation and a bit of fun to a location we don’t get to visit as often,” said Mari. “We hope everyone enjoyed the celebration and a well-earned beach BBQ!”

Turning 250 years is truly a momentous occasion that the USO was proud to take part in. The event provided an opportunity for the USO to foster further relationships with military leaders from multiple units stationed at the various installations around the island, bring awareness of USO amenities available to soldiers and their families at one of the centers and remind them that they are not alone, even thousands of miles from home.

Okinawa’s Ongoing Outreach Operations

This event was just the latest in USO Okinawa’s expanding outreach operations. Earlier this year, the team provided support at Torii Station during the Army Substance Abuse Awareness Program and the installation’s Organization Day. Not to be forgotten about, staff and volunteers travel over to White Beach Naval Facility to boost the morale of sailors stationed on the island. Additionally, deployment support is provided throughout the year with care package deliveries, an unstaffed setup at a deployment readiness facility on board Kadena Air Base and more.