Staff Sergeant Jonathan Withrow (USO Hansen)
For Marine Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Jonathan Withrow, service has always been more than a duty—it’s a calling, a way of life deeply rooted in his upbringing and career. As the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (SNCOIC) of the Engineers Platoon within the III MEF Support Battalion, SSgt Withrow has devoted 15 years of his life to the Marine Corps. His passion for giving back to his fellow Marines and the community they call home shines brightly through his volunteer efforts at USO Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan.
A Lifeboat of Support
The USO has played an integral role throughout SSgt Withrow’s life, both as a child and as a Marine. Recalling his deployment to Iraq in 2017, he shares how the USO became a sanctuary during challenging times.
“The USO was a lifeboat for me, especially in 2017 when my unit was deployed to Iraq. It boosted morale and gave us a sense of normalcy. I’ll never forget the camaraderie we built during Spades Day with the Norwegian Army or watching service members connect with their families back home through the USO Reading Program. It was heartwarming to see Marines reading bedtime stories for their children, knowing those moments would be sent back stateside to their loved ones.”
For SSgt Withrow, the USO’s impact began much earlier. “As a kid in Kaneohe Bay, I remember the USO being there when my dad, also a Marine, returned from deployment. It’s a memory I’ll always cherish.”
Years later, as a father stationed at Camp Pendleton, SSgt Withrow found joy taking his son to the USO, where they would spend hours playing video games together. These experiences cemented his gratitude for the USO and inspired him to give back.
Building Community, One Project at a Time
(USO)
SSgt Withrow and his Marines made it their mission to beautify USO Camp Hansen, dedicating weekends to projects like trimming hedges, resurfacing countertops, and creating an inviting atmosphere. Their efforts are not just about aesthetics—they’re about fostering a sense of pride and belonging among their fellow Marines.
“We wanted to be volunteers for the volunteers,” SSgt Withrow explains. “The staff and regular volunteers work tirelessly to keep the center running, and we wanted to help lighten the load. If Marines see their peers taking pride in the USO, it inspires a sense of ownership—this is MY USO.”
One of their most exciting upcoming projects is designing and building a pentagon-shaped bench for the center’s outdoor area, providing a relaxing space for service members to enjoy the sunshine.
Strengthening Bonds Through Service
For SSgt Withrow, volunteering is not just about improving the center—it’s about strengthening the bonds within his unit. “You are who you surround yourself with. When we work together on projects like this, we see different sides of each other and grow closer as a team. It’s rewarding to watch Marines learn new skills or share their expertise with others.”
One of his proudest moments came when Corporal Zamaya Johnson, a member of his team, earned a meritorious promotion—a testament to her dedication, which included her volunteer efforts at the USO.
Full Circle Impact
(USO)
Reflecting on the importance of the USO, SSgt Withrow emphasizes its role in creating a home away from home for service members. “Marines don’t always have a nice place to go. The USO provides a welcoming environment with recliners, food programs, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s not just a center—it’s a community.”
For SSgt Withrow and his unit, giving back to the USO is a way to pay forward the support they’ve received. “I want to create a sense of belonging and make people feel better. Anything we can do to contribute to a place that’s made such a difference in our lives is worth it.”
From a child watching his father return from deployment to a Marine leading his team in service, SSgt Jonathan Withrow embodies the spirit of the USO—a commitment to connection, community, and care.
