The Gratitude Series: Honoring Service, One Gesture at a Time
The mission of the USO is to strengthen the well-being of service members and their families, this is achieved by offering amenities, programs and events that show service members that they are seen, valued, and appreciated for the sacrifices made every day. At USO Tumon Bay, we embrace implementing this mission by creating outreach programs that go beyond simply offering refreshments but rather an opportunity to connect, uplift, and express genuine appreciation with our Cups of Gratitude program.
First launched at U.S. Naval Medical Readiness Training Command (NMRTC) in February of 2025, Cups of Gratitude is an initiative designed to bring joy and encouragement to service members as they start their day. With the guidance of NMRTC Command Master Chief (CMC) Anthony Royale, we make our way through every department, handing out a fresh cup of coffee paired with delicious donuts. While the treats are often appreciated with joy, what truly resonates are the inspirational notes of Gratitude, short heartfelt messages filled with words of encouragement. These notes remind our military community that their efforts are not only recognized but deeply appreciated by the community they serve. The positive response of the program allowed the team to expand this effort to Apra Clinic.
Services members expressed how meaningful it was to have the USO take time to visit, connect, and remind them that their efforts are valued and never overlooked:
“This enlightened my day and boosted my morale at work. Makes me feel appreciated and it was very thoughtful.” - SM
“Erika and April are so thoughtful. Our Sailors loved and appreciated the notes of gratitude. The snack was light and healthy which was very appreciated!”
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Building on this foundation, we introduced Snacks of Gratitude to support the dedicated men and women of Task Force Talon, who operate Guam’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. This outreach provided service members with snacks and refreshments, as tangible tokens of thanks for their unwavering vigilance and commitment. Alongside the snacks, handwritten notes of thanks were shared and staff took the time to connect one-on-one, to emphasize that the connection and recognition that matters most.
As the holidays approach, USO Tumon Bay looks forward to spreading further cheer by visiting our service members and delivering Bags of Gratitude. Each bag will be filled with thoughtful treats to brighten their day, during the holiday season when most of them are far from home.
We are excited to expand our Gratitude Series with Loads of Gratitude, a new initiative that brings us directly into the dorms at the Naval Hospital, giving us the opportunity to connect with young service members, offer fun games and provide laundry essentials as prizes. This next step continues reinforcing that USO Tumon Bay is here for the Guam- military community in every way.
Also launching in 2026 is Nights of Gratitude, a special outreach effort dedicated to boosting the morale of the hardworking night shifters at NMRTC and the Guam THAAD Unit. These service members often work long hours behind the scenes while the rest of the world sleeps, and this initiative is our way of making sure they feel equally seen and celebrated. Through late night treats, warm beverages, and thoughtful tokens of thanks, we aim to bring a little light and encouragement to those who keep things running through the night.
Together, Cups of Gratitude, Snacks of Gratitude, Loads of Gratitude and Nights of Gratitude represent more than just outreach programs they form the USO Tumon Bay Gratitude Series, a** heartfelt movement dedicated to honoring our service members, lifting their spirits, and reminding them that their service does not go unnoticed.** Through every cup of coffee, refreshing calamansi juice, every snack shared, every care package delivered, and every late-night visit, we send a simple but powerful message: You are valued, you are supported, and you are never alone.