A Heartfelt Tribute to the USO from a Military Spouse

As a proud military spouse and Center Operations Manager, I’m taking a moment to celebrate the USO - an organization that’s been there for families like mine every step of the way.

When my husband, an active duty Marine, incurred a serious physical injury that required surgery off-island, our world shifted in an instant. Being stationed in Guam, we knew medical care would be limited for certain procedures, but nothing truly prepares you for the moment you’re told you’ll need to travel thousands of miles for treatment.

That’s when the USO stepped in: swiftly, compassionately, and powerfully.

In Guam, my USO family immediately offered support. They helped me manage the stress of coordinating my USO duties while preparing for a medical evacuation by simply showing up and recognizing the important component of human connection. I knew they cared, were willing to listen and help in any way they could, which made a huge difference in the chaos of those uncertain days.

My husband and I flew to Hawaii for surgery. After an exhausting flight with emotions running high, I had a sense of relief knowing I was already linked in with the USO team on the island of Oahu [Hawaii] if there was anything I needed. If there’s one thing I’ve learned working for the USO, it’s that no matter where we go, we have a family. After four surgeries and several complications, our stay was extended longer than we could have ever expected. Visiting the Centers on the island allowed time for me to rest, to breathe in a place I knew I could be comfortable and to simply connect with others as this journey had become physically and mentally exhausting.

After what seemed like an eternity and a failed mission, we returned to Guam with low spirits knowing ultimately that an additional surgery would be required. Thankfully, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland accepted his case, and, you guessed it, the USO was there again - faithful as ever.

The USO Warrior and Family Center is conveniently located right next to the Wounded Warrior facility where we were staying. Despite the pain and everything else going on, my husband made it a priority for us to visit the USO as he knew they’d offer a sense of comfort and community in the middle of a very tough journey. Little did I know that throughout his recovery (and finally a successful surgery!), he would learn to knit and make fly-fishing flies at that Center!

Throughout it all, the USO helped hold us together. As a spouse, watching my partner go through a total of five surgeries in less than eight months was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But, because of the USO, we always knew support was close by.

From Guam to Hawaii to the mainland of the United States and back to Guam, the USO was with us at every stop. Their support provided familiarity and comfort. I can honestly say this organization truly lives its mission day in and day out – caring for the people who serve.

To every USO volunteer and staff member who helped us along the way, thank you. Whether you knew it or not, your kindness and compassion mattered more than you know.