(USO Cam Hansen)
Name: Jon Roche
Position/Title: Center Operations Manager
Time worked at USO: 4 months
Center/Office location: USO Camp Hansen
Tell Us About Yourself!
Jon comes from a multicultural background, with family roots in Eastbourne, England, and Dallas, Texas. He served 22 years in the United States Air Force as a career Security Forces professional, holding roles such as nuclear security specialist, Protective Services Agent, Special Reaction Team leader, anti-terrorism officer, physical security expert, and First Sergeant. His career took him around the world with multiple assignments and deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines. Jon is passionate about cars, BBQ, and updog.
Why do you love working at the USO?
I first experienced the impact of the USO during my first deployment to Iraq in 2004. I still remember the care bags they sent—filled with toiletries and small comforts that made a big difference. These things remind you that someone out there hasn’t forgotten you. That kind of support sticks with you. I’ve seen firsthand how much the USO means to those in uniform—whether at a stateside airport, a deployment, or right here in Okinawa. Now, working at the USO, I get to be on the other side of that mission—serving the same community I was once a part of. It’s meaningful, it’s personal, and it’s one of the reasons I love coming to work every day.
What is your favorite memory of working at the USO?
One of my favorite moments was just sitting down and talking with a young Marine who had been going through a rough time. He didn’t need a big event or handout—just someone willing to listen. We talked about cars, life in general, and how hard it can be to stay grounded. By the end of it, he said, “This is exactly what I needed today.” Moments like that remind me why I love this job. The USO gives us the chance to connect, to be that steady presence—whether it’s through programs, coffee, or just a conversation that makes someone feel seen.
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