(USO Okinawa)
Recently, CEO Kenneth Exsterstein, of American Engineering Corporation, AEC, presented a Silver Sponsorship level donation of $18,000 to USO Okinawa Area Director, J. Phil VanEtten. AEC has a long-standing relationship with USO Okinawa, and their generous donation reflects their unwavering commitment to supporting the United States military community stationed in Okinawa.
As Mr. Exsterstein presented USO Okinawa with their generous donation, he shared the longstanding relationship USO Okinawa and AEC has enjoyed and his appreciation for America’s military members:
“AEC is honored to continue our support for USO Okinawa, an organization that plays a vital role in the lives of America’s military service members and their families. Our long-standing partnership with USO Okinawa reflects our commitment to giving back to the community. This donation is a testament to our ongoing dedication to supporting the United States military community stationed in Okinawa. Thank you USO Okinawa for allowing us to be part of the program.”
AEC, an Okinawan based company with over a thousand employees, specializes in providing architectural, mechanical, and civil engineering services in support of the United States government to Tokyo, Misawa, Iwakuni, and other locations across Japan. In Okinawa, where AEC headquarters is located, AEC is one of the largest construction companies, providing services on the United States military installations and offers a variety of services in general construction for private facilities. In mainland Japan at their Japan Operations Headquarters, AEC customizes, develops, and installs security systems for major corporations.
As a fervent supporter of USO Okinawa, AEC continues to aid our six centers across the island with various construction projects, playing a critical role in the USO mission of strengthening the wellbeing of America’s military members and their families. The fifty plus year partnership between AEC and USO Okinawa exemplifies the importance of collaborating to enhance the lives of those who serve our country.
“AEC recently celebrated their 60th anniversary as a corporation that started in Okinawa. For most of that time, AEC has been an avid supporter and sponsor of USO Okinawa,” said USO Okinawa Area Director, J. Phil VanEtten as he expressed his gratitude to AEC during a recent presentation ceremony. “To the best of our corporate knowledge, AEC has sponsored USO Okinawa for at least 52 years. With sponsors like AEC, we can better support our service members and their families while they are deployed/stationed away from the continental United States,” Mr. VanEtten concluded.
Scot Garner, General Manager of Construction for AEC, shared his appreciation for the USO and how the organization played a role in his military career as a United States Marine:
“As a Marine from the late 1970’s to early 1990’s, I experienced the benefits of the USO on Okinawa, as well as USO locations in many airports throughout the United States. USO was there during airport delays as a place to rest, refresh, catch a meal, and to assist with questions from a young Marine away from home,” he stated. “Having the USO experience during my active-duty days and now being a part of a great corporation that supports the USO that continues to support our men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families around the world is a great feeling and completely worthwhile. Kudos to the USO Staff and Volunteers for all they do!”
AEC supported several USO projects, including the construction the USO Camp Schwab center in late 2022 and the relocation project of the USO Indo-Pacific Office in spring of 2022. Furthermore, AEC’s contribution to USO Okinawa allows our centers to expand their center offerings for service members who frequent their local center.
USO Okinawa offers essential services, amenities, and resources to service members and their families from programs that boost morale to spouse and family events as well as transition assistance. This donation is part of AEC’s ongoing efforts to give back to the community and support organizations that serve the military. USO Okinawa looks forward to continuing work with AEC to improve and enhance the lives of those who protect and defend our nation. To learn more about USO Okinawa’s events, center locations, and services, please visit okinawa.uso.org and follow us on social media @USOOkinawa.
(USO Okinawa)
(USO Okinawa)
