Friday: Busy Day at the USO

I worked at the USO today from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.  They had a special day for about 200 Marines from Camp Johnson (also in Jacksonville).  They were given a day off to just have fun and they were bused over to the USO. These are YOUNG Marines. I'm guessing early twenties and younger.  Probably 95% male and 5% female.  Just for information's sake, here's info about Camp Johnson:

Mission

The purpose of the camp is to conduct formal resident training for officers and enlisted personnel in the occupational fields of logistics, motor transport, personnel administration, supply, and financial management ( accounting and disbursing), as well as to conduct instructional management and combat water survival swim training. In addition to training Marines, Camp Johnson also houses the Field Medical Training Battalion, which trains corpsmen and religious program specialists of the Navy. The commanding officer of MCCSSS also serves as the area commander of Camp Johnson, and provides administrative support to various tenant commands.

(It was also, a long time ago the training facility for the Montford Point Marines, the first black Marines)

     I helped with setting up chairs and food tables.  We had tons of Girl Scout cookies to set out. The Marines started coming around 10 and were given an introduction to the USO by two staff men who are retired Marines.  They were told of the historical aspects of this particular USO (the oldest continuous operating USO in the world!)

     They were told to relax and have fun!  There were poker tables set up, corn hole games, board games, chess, table tennis, pool tables, video games, etc.  There was plenty for them to do until the food arrived.

     Two different restaurants provided pizza, pizza and more pizza. The USO staff provided taco and burrito fillings, slider sandwiches, salad, chips, rice and beans and more.  I worked at the salad and taco filling table and watched more than a few pour ranch dressing on their pizza!  (I thought that just happened in California.)  Looking at their too full plates, I heard many say, "Man, I'm going to pay for this on Monday!"  Peanut Butter Patties, Samoas and Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies were the favorites!

     If you get discouraged about the youth of the country, spend some time with Marines.  I probably heard, "Good morning Ma'am" and "thank you Ma'am" at least 100 times today. They were all polite and respectful and grateful for the day.  What's hard is having them say to you, "thank you for all you do for us...."  Wow.  It's the other way around, don't you know?

     I think they had a lot of fun until the buses came to get them at 4. I'm so blessed to be able to be there and help when I can. If you ever get the chance to volunteer at a USO, DO IT!  I come home from these events exhausted!  But it's an amazing experience.

Here: https://www.uso.org/centers/united-states

They also take donations!

https://www.uso.org/take-action/ways-to-support