Yokosuka, Japan - On Oct. 13, the prestigious USO President’s award was presented to Shandra Kraft, Kristine Fontanilla, Jadine Lujan, Kyle Reid, and Maggie Constantino. The team was honored as a direct result of their outstanding actions following the tragic accident of the USS Fitzgerald.

“I am so proud of this amazing team,” said USO Japan Area Director, Laura Law-Millett. “They showed initiative and courage under extreme conditions and worked beyond what was expected to ensure our sailors and their families were taken care of.”

Following the collision of the USS Fitzgerald, the team sprang into action and became the epicenter of support for the sailors, their families and the greater Yokosuka community. The team’s innovative support was a collaborative effort where each team member provided aide to a community in crisis and helped connect each service member to home.

Some of their efforts included working with other on-base organizations to provide over 2,000 meals while running 24-hour operations at USO Yokosuka in the weeks following the incident. The team also helped gather and sort nearly 3,000 care packages that came from state side. They provided entertainment on the barges where many displaced sailors were temporarily housed and organized the outpouring of volunteers to ensure the center could stay open and that every sailor had a place to rest and eat.

The President’s Award is awarded to USO employees who have made superlative contributions to the organization. This is the highest level of award under the USO employee Recognition Program. Criteria for receiving the award include contributions that have a significant impact on departmental or organizational objectives; extraordinary efforts and achievements above and beyond the normal responsibilities of an individual’s position; and/or the demonstration of other behaviors which exemplify and support our organization’s values and our dedication to mission. This is the first time in the history of the USO that a field team has received this award.

“Shandra, Kristine, Jadine, Maggie and Kyle are superstars. Their dedication to mission is an example for us all to strive to achieve,” said Law-Millett.