Never Have I Ever - Harlem Globe Trotters

Once in a while, someone famous visits Okinawa.
This time, it was the Harlem Globe Trotters and I got to give the invocation for the game.

I wanted to make it funny and serious.

 Let us pray.

Heavenly father,

I committed to the Marine Corps, knowing it would take me to the ends of the earth. And I knew, because of my dedication, that the Marine Corps would take care of me.

Thank you, God, for sending the Harlem Globe Trotters to Okinawa. During this season away from loved ones, You knew I needed a unique pick-me-up.

Lord, bless the Harlem Globe Trotters with healthy knees, backs and wrists for they have a long journey ahead of them; visiting Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Soliders around the Pacific.

Please get them to each destination safely as their job of lifting the spirits of warriors everywhere is a sacred and important task.

As You have taught us through Your holy texts, “there is a season for dancing and laughing, playing cheering,” and may we see all of those here tonight.

Amen.

I don't ever remember there being a female Globetrotter.

Troop Morale

Last year, on a whim, I decided to visit every post office on the same day  because leading up to Christmas, their hours get crazy and they are so busy. The Marines work longer hours and lose days off and are sadder during these 5 weeks of "Operation Santa Claus."

Since often, and especially at this point, they are not thanked, I decided to visit them, bring some doughnuts and make them feel special. I brought the CO with me because it is always nice to see the boss visit you and not the other way around. I gave doughnuts, she gave them 3 days off. They liked her more that day.

This year, building on the success, I brought the FRO (family readiness officer, civilian), one of the directors from the USO and the station manager from the Red Cross and drove them all 8 post offices, located on 7 different bases in one day.

Because we were so awesome, we visited the PMO Marines (6 different posts) on the same day too.

I believe were successful in boosting morale. I certainly enjoyed seeing my Marines' faces light up when we brought home-made candies, doughnuts and cards.