Today’s guest is coming to us all the way from Japan-- Marcie West, the Regional Operations Manager of the USO Pacific.
NB: due to the distance and connectivity, there are some gaps/zoom noises you will hear...apologies!
For those who don’t know, The USO is the United Services Organization, a nonprofit whose mission is to strengthen “America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.”
How did we cross paths? I’ve been blessed to be a part of the entertainment division of the USO since 2018, and since we couldn’t do in-person events, the USO quickly adapted to virtual programming worldwide. As my other half of life is that of a fitness professional, I have had the opportunity to teach multiple classes over recent months to Japan, Guam, and more.
Marcie’s passion for the USO was apparent from our first Zoom meeting!
The USO Pacific covers 52% of the world’s surface area and supports the troops and their families within all those miles.
Referring to what she wanted to be when she grew up, Marcie said “it all comes down to wanting to make a difference. I just wanted to make a difference.” As a military spouse herself, she knows first-hand the challenge to find community as well as a job with all the relocations and ever-changing towns, countries, and cultures.
The USO does such a variety of programming-- check it out here: uso.org
If you are interested in volunteering, they are in the process of creating a virtual volunteers program. So no matter where you are located, you can be a part of supporting the troops! Find more here: volunteers.uso.org
If you would like to reach out to Marcie, she can be contacted at mawest@uso.org
We need all the good news we can get.
This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring mini interviews with people following their passions, even if that means leaving behind a potentially more comfortable career path, and making people feel better along the way. (Shout-out to #JohnKrasinski for inspiring this whole thing in the first place!)
S(M)GN episodes released each Friday. Follow @positively_katefor more.
Have stories of good news you know should be shared? Send me a message!
And if you enjoyed this, I'd be thrilled if you shared it with another who would like to hear some good news :)
Kate
