Judith Ann Brooks- A Life of Service

We hear about extraordinary people who dedicated their life to service. This is one of those stories: It is the story of Judith Ann Brooks whose life was filled with service and travel.

Judi graduated with a degree in History and Government from the University of Maine. Not knowing what to do with her life she went to Ft Lauderdale, Florida and worked in the hotel industry for 2 years. While lying on the beach one day, Judi heard an ad on the radio that went as follows "Are you wondering what to do with your life?" This sparked Judi's interest and led her to join the Peace Corps, as she had listened to President Kennedy call out for volunteers a year earlier.

Judy spent 2 years in Iran teaching English at the agricultural university in Southern Iran near the city of Ahwaz. Her service included time with the Job Corps program in Maine followed by USO service where she spent years managing USO Clubs in Thailand, San Francisco, Germany, and in her dream assignment Naples, Italy with the 6th fleet. She also set up other USOs in several Mediterranean ports. Judi oversaw USOs in Okinawa, South Korea, Guam, the Philippines and mainland Japan for six years. She then became director of USOs in Israel, Greece, Spain, Italy, French Riviera and Paris, with her office in Naples.

Her career culminated as the Director of Personnel and Administrative Services at USO headquarters in Washington DC. After her service era, Judith entered the private sector where she directed retirement communities in Tucson, Phoenix, Sedona, Colorado, and California until her own retirement.

Judi's retirement in 2003 gave her the opportunity to spend time with her pets and family. She enjoyed spending time on the Maine coast with family when she was not traveling the world with her friends. She continued her service in Tucson by volunteering at various organizations until her passing in 2013.

Judi leaves a legacy at the Community Food Bank as well as other nonprofits in our community. So if you ever wonder what to do with your life- do as Judith did- and dedicate some of your time to service!