Spotlight!
USO Okinawa Staff Spotlight: Mariel ‘Mars’ Puga
By
USO Okinawa November 7, 2024
Mariel Puga and Meghann Blochowski
USO Okinawa November 7, 2024
(Mariel ‘Mars’ Puga)
Name: Mariel “Mars” Puga
Position/Title: Center Operations Specialist
Time worked at USO: 7 months
Center/Office location: USO Camp Kinser
Born and raised in the “furniture” capital of the world, Mariel “Mars” Puga joins the USO Okinawa team from North Carolina. A self-proclaimed free spirit and lover of adventure, Mars loves traveling, making new connections, and turning moments into special memories. Prior to moving to Okinawa and joining the USO Camp Kinser team, Mars worked in the marketing field as an Optimization and Innovation Marketing Data Analyst. During her free time, Mars enjoys exploring the island of Okinawa or working on an interior design project or starting a new one.
Why do you love working at the USO?
The USO became my home shortly after arriving to a foreign country and feeling disconnected from my family and friends. I love that as staff we get to provide that welcoming feeling to others and ensure that they know that there are people who care about them. The best feeling is getting feedback about the impact that we make as a USO team.
What is your favorite memory of working at the USO?
My favorite memory is when we decided to create our Community Highlights collage board with pictures featuring pictures from the variety of programs, we’ve hosted at USO Camp Kinser. It holds a special place in my heart because it allows the community as well as the staff and volunteers see all the happy memories, they’ve created with USO Kinser.
FEATURED PROGRAM:
USO Kinser is starting a cool new program called Kick Back Fridays. This program aims to connect service members and build camaraderie amongst one another. Kick Back Fridays are primarily supported USO Kinser volunteers who will select different fun activities such as karaoke, dancing, games, crafts, and yummy foods. It’s a unique opportunity for service members to connect with their friends and create new friendships to along the way. Lookout for our monthly calendar on Facebook to find out when we’ll be hosting!