USO Okinawa Staff Spotlight - Meet Michael!

Michael H. Oliwek (Photo courtesy of USO Okinawa )

Name: Michael H. Oliwek

Position/Title: Center Operations Coordinator

Time worked at USO: September 2023

Center/Office location: MCAS Futenma

Michael, “Mike,” is the Center Operations Coordinator at USO Futenma and enjoys the exciting and fast paced tempo working at USO Futenma provides. He joined the military in June of 1994, retiring from the United States Marine Corps in 2014. Post his military career, Mike pursued a teaching degree while working as a consultant/liaison for a Japanese company and completing multiple projects throughout Japan. During his off time, Mike began volunteering at the USO, quickly discovering a great sense of fulfillment. Ready to change careers and join the USO mission of strengthening the wellbeing of America’s military members and their families, he joined the USO Futenma team. Since joining the team, he’s been able to bring one of favorite hobbies to USO Futenma programming—grilling! Through his love for all things grill and smoker related, he’s had the pleasure to contribute to the already established foundation of support USO Futenma brings to their camp community and loves being able to share his hobby with the center and patrons!

1. Why do you love working at the USO?

I love working at the USO because every day we are here to support America’s service members and their families, and this provides with me a great sense of meaning. We have active duty and civilian volunteers and I love that our center and mission is part of their daily lives. The ability to impact their life in a positive and enjoyable way provides me with fulfillment and happiness and that translates over to my personal life.

2. What is your favorite memory of working at the USO?

I cannot pick a favorite memory, however my most impactful USO memory is from November 2023. Our team was celebrating the 248^th birthday of the United States Marine Corps with a homemade lunch and cake cutting ceremony. While enjoying lunch, a young Marine remarked the beef stew reminded him of his mother’s stew. At that moment, hearing those words, it connected with me that I was part of an incredible mission. Hearing this young Marine’s words and listening to the memory of his mother’s cooking, and the smile on his face, were all pivotal in reassuring me that I had made the right choice. I have continued to add my own spin on our programs with the assistance of our USO Futenma Family in hopes that we continue to provide moments like this for everyone.

FEATURED PROGRAM:

Join the USO Futenma team for our 3^rd Annual Back to School Bash on August 17^th! We will have yard games and water fun to combat the Okinawa heat and celebrate the return to school. We will also be smoking baby back ribs, grilled corn on the cob, serving up Walking Frito Pies, shaved ice, and more!

Futenma Air Base