USO Yokota in July

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan - Despite the dark cloud of Covid-19 hovering over Yokota Air Base, USO Yokota continues to be the ray of sunshine the base desperately needs.

The USO hosted many programs during the month of July. But what the USO staff was most excited about was the return to normal operational hours following the restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Back in March, the USO made several operational changes to adjust to the impact of the COVID pandemic, such as entertaining the community with virtual events, providing meals to-go, and supporting quarantined troops and families by making care packages.

On June 29, 2020 USO Yokota returned to normal operational hours. With the USO back to regular hours, community participation has continued to be on the rise.

During the month of July the USO hosted around 20 in person events, and two virtual events.

When Yokota community members attend a USO event in person, guidelines put in place by the CDC are still to be followed, including the use of a face mask and social distancing.

Here are some of the most successful programs that took place in July.

-Service Members felt the USO’s love during Adopt The Squadron when USO volunteers  delivered pizzas to the Operations Support Squadron. These volunteers were gifted with a unique opportunity of  being able to tour the 374th OSS facilities and engage with the airmen at their workplace.

-The USO hosted its first Brown Bag Lunch To Go. Volunteers passed out free Subway sandwiches, chips, and cold drinks during lunch time to service members and families.

-USO Yokota provided Random Snacks of Kindness to the 709 TMXS -Det 402 squadron.

-For the first time, the USO hosted an in person crafting program in months.
Kids of all ages decorated t-shirts and colored mini alligators. Every family left the center feeling proud of their creations.

-Service Members from the 374th Security Forces Squadron Adopted The USO for the entire day and hosted a Super Mario Kart Tournament. Airmen came out and many left with prizes.

-USO Yokota hosted an Ice Cream Social. Kids and families came out for the ice cream sundaes.

-Painting with Deb was brought back to the center just in time to celebrate the 4th of July. During this event, spouses painted beautiful Tori Gates with fireworks in the background.

-Spouses Coffee Connection was hosted in the center for the first time in months. Spouses were able to  interact with old and new friends. Everyone left the center with full bellies and a special gift courtesy of Thirty-One Gifts.

USO Yokota currently has 125 volunteers. USO volunteers and center staff work diligently to serve service members and families here at Yokota Air Base.

Located in building 327, USO Yokota is open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. The USO is always looking for new volunteers to help serve the Yokota community.