A Passion for Service: Meet Cynthia Hossain

Cynthia Hossain is a mother of two and has been a Marine spouse for 15 years. With five PCS moves behind her and another on the horizon, her departure will be deeply felt. USO Iwakuni and the broader community are not just saying goodbye to an incredible volunteer and leader, but also a true friend.

Cynthia has worn many hats during her time in Iwakuni: USO volunteer, business owner, President of the Iwakuni Spouses Club, mother and military spouse. As a business owner and President of the Iwakuni Spouse Club she knows the importance of providing quality and superior customer service skills. Each of these roles has equipped her with valuable skills, resilience and a strong sense of community. For over two years, she has brought her creativity, wisdom and unwavering dedication to USO Iwakuni. What began as casual involvement, staying late to help clean up or arriving early to assist with set-up–quickly evolved into a deep commitment to volunteering.

When asked what drew her to USO volunteering, Cynthia recalled an earlier experience in San Diego where the USO recognized military spouse volunteers in a way that made her feel truly valued. That moment stayed with Cynthia and inspired her to give back in kind. Cynthia officially joined the USO Iwakuni team in 2023, quickly becoming a vital part of its events and programs. One of her earliest and most memorable contributions was helping make over 300 tamales for an event, an all-day effort that she recalls with pride. That same passion shone through during her first Coffee Connections program as a volunteer when she helped from set up to break down and warmly interacted with military spouses.

“Our first event together was a Coffee Connections - my first solo event in this center- and she knew exactly where everything went. Cynthia used her expertise to configure the center, prep and set up the food and greet spouses,” recalls USO Iwakuni Senior Center Operations Manager Dalia McRae. “She brought so much energy and heart. It was clear from the start that she belonged here.”

“Her unwavering commitment to others, often carried out without expectation of recognition, has made her a cornerstone of the Iwakuni community,” says Tai Jacobs.** “Through her creativity, compassion, and ability to unite people, she exemplifies the very spirit of volunteerism.”**

One of Cynthia’s standout moments came during a trivia event where technical difficulties prevented attendees from using their phones to join the trivia app. Cynthia sprang into action, crafting a system using laminated answer sheets to keep the game running smoothly. Her resourcefulness and quick thinking became a hallmark of her involvement with the USO.

Despite her packed schedule, Cynthia still found time to lead ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) classes at the Center for two years and organized 12 Coffee Connections events. What started as a personal project grew into one of the USO’s most beloved events, frequently praised by those lucky enough to attend.

Cynthia’s talents extend beyond volunteering. In the fall of 2023, she launched a custom laser shop, creating detailed designs on acrylic, wood, glass, and more. She generously used her skills to support the USO, designing medals for the USO Iwakuni Incredible Race and donating supplies for handmade earrings for Coffee Connections. Now serving as the President of the Iwakuni Spouses Club (ISC), **Cynthia has spearheaded six fundraisers and four community events, helping raise over $10,000 for scholarships, community grants, entrepreneur funding, and youth enrichment programs. **

While there are many volunteering opportunities on base, Cynthia says the lasting connections she made at the USO kept her coming back. She formed meaningful bonds with both volunteers and staff, including former Center Operations Specialist Tai and later Dalia, who worked closely with Cynthia on programming.

When asked what she was most proud of during her time in Iwakuni, Cynthia spoke of resilience: “Being able to keep coming back, even when life gets hard. Doing something for the community despite the challenges of military life. Pushing through and finding identity in being the ‘USO girl.’ Cynthia’s advice to other military spouses considering USO volunteering: ** “It brings a break in your day and something to look forward to! At least try it.”**

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