COVID-19
USO’s online programs prove popular with troops during coronavirus lockdowns
“I think we are busier now than before the pandemic,” Yokota USO manager Mardie Marqueze-Velasquez said Wednesday. “We can’t reach them physically, but we have great teams across the globe of volunteers and staff.”
‘I Survived COVID-19’: Unofficial patches and coins show pandemic’s impact on troops overseas
The coronavirus pandemic is being immortalized in a colorful array of unofficial military patches and challenge coins sold near U.S. bases in South Korea.
Marine veteran who refused COVID-19 vaccine arrested in Japan
A Marine veteran who refused the COVID-19 vaccine while serving in Japan and defied orders to return home was arrested this month at her former duty station.
Coffee, noodles and coronavirus tests: Japanese vending machines sell test kits during the pandemic
Vending machines can be found on almost any street corner in Japan, selling everything from sodas to ice cream and warm noodles.
Pandemic creates a junior golf boom at Air Force base in Japan
Junior golf is thriving at the home of U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo, as dozens of youngsters seek out alternatives to team sports and other activities that were shut down because of the coronavirus.
Military families find creative ways to cope with the coronavirus pandemic in Japan
A year has passed since the world seemingly paused and terms like social distancing became part of the lexicon. U.S. Forces Japan has reported more than 1,200 individuals infected with the coronavirus in the past year, which was marked by travel restrictions, mask mandates, working from home and sporadic lockdowns.