Volunteer of the Year - First Quarter Nominees |
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SPC Timothy Donovan - Europe USO Volunteer of the Quarter
U.S. Army Specialist Timothy Donovan devotes his free time to volunteering at the USO in Vicenza, Italy. He works as a full-time active duty soldier, and goes to the USO every day at lunch and after work, helping customers at the front desk or cleaning the center before it closes each night.
SPC Donovan always says “yes!” when asked to support the USO. He has worked every event since he began volunteering in July 2008, and has coordinated the volunteer manpower needed to support those events. He has had such a positive impact on the other soldiers around him!
Recently, SPC Donovan initiated Football Night for the soldiers. He has stayed very late to keep the center open late when games are on, so everyone can enjoy the entire games. He always finishes what he starts, and has helped make the center a better environment for those we serve. Congratulations to SPC Timothy Donovan on being the USO Europe Volunteer of the Quarter!
Tudy Giordano - United States USO Volunteer of the Quarter
Tudy Giordano has become a vital asset to USO Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). As a volunteer whose service began with washing the center’s blankets, she is now an instrumental part of USO DFW’s participation in the United Through Reading® Military Program. Tudy’s oversight of this program has included finding creative and cost-effective means to decorate the recording room, creating an organized book storage system and promoting the program through bulletin boards, fliers, posters and presentations. Her efforts resulted in a richer experience for troops staying connected with their children.
As a full-time health care consultant, Tudy already has a full plate during the week. In spite of the long hours she devotes to consulting, Tudy has volunteered to work on night and weekend activities for the USO on countless occasions. In addition, she always is ready to be a listener for our troops as they make their way to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Tudy pours her heart into every aspect of volunteering with the USO. In recognition for her kind and positive attitude, and in honor of the remarkable way in which she represents the USO to the community, Tudy Giordano is the USO Stateside Volunteer of the Quarter.
Ronald Lister - Affiliate USO Volunteer of the Quarter
Ronald Lister is a valuable asset to the Liberty USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, located in the Philadelphia International Airport. Though he’s usually scheduled for one regular six-hour shift each week, Ron typically volunteers for 8-10 hours, four or five days a week! During his volunteer shifts, Ron eagerly escorts military personnel through airport security to ensure they reach their outgoing flights in time.
Ron also does an exceptional job tracking the center’s supplies. When the previous inventory system caused confusion among USO staff and volunteers, Ron pitched in and created a more accurate method of overseeing the stock and keeping inventory. He meets shipments upon arrival, monitors stock levels and picks up items that aren’t delivered. Ron’s initiative has made an incredible difference at the center, by ensuring the center always has food and other supplies on hand to support the troops.
The center’s staff and more than 200 volunteers respect Ron and appreciate his hard work. He constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty, volunteering with enthusiasm and courtesy. We are proud to name Ronald Lister the USO Affiliates Volunteer of the Quarter.
SSG John McConnell - Southwest Asia USO Volunteer of the Quarter
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant John McConnell has raised the bar for volunteers at USO Camp Buehring, Kuwait. An active duty soldier, he has gone above and beyond the call of duty as a USO volunteer, and was always available to help with the center.
Although no longer stationed in Kuwait, SSG McConnell has left a legacy at the USO center. He developed tracking templates for the USO’s movie, gaming, and phone card programs. He created PowerPoint slides to promote monthly programs and volunteer advertisements. He streamlined the connection process for troops who bring their laptops into the center, and served as the resident electronic gaming repairperson.
Because of SSG McConnell’s efforts, the regular USO staff were able to spend more time helping center patrons and making sure the center was operating efficiently. During special events, he always was there to serve cookies, scoop ice cream, set up tables and clean the center afterward.
SSG McConnell’s generosity and dependability shows how much he cares about the well-being of the USO staff and center. One night when the center was closing, the front door jammed and wouldn’t lock. The staff called SSG McConnell, and he went over immediately to help. It was after midnight and finding assistance on base could have taken more than two hours, but SSG McConnell jumped in to resolve the situation quickly. His kindness and selflessness made him a truly fantastic volunteer and the USO is fortunate to have had him on its team! For these and many other reasons, USO Camp Buehring is proud to name SSG John McConnell USO Southwest Asia’s Volunteer of the Quarter.
Rich Ortloff - Pacific Region USO Volunteer of the Quarter
In addition to being a regular center volunteer at USO Guam, Rich Ortloff has become one of the center’s most valued assets. Rich is responsible for the USO/Navy Hospital Inpatient Visitation Program and the Naval Hospital Individual Augmentee deployment and welcome home program. Working hand-in-hand with patients from all branches of service, he gives the USO Newcomer Briefings at Naval Hospital.
For a recent parade, Rich spent tireless hours helping to build and display the float holding the USO banner. He also regularly bakes cookies, cakes and other goodies to ensure the USO’s visitors are taken care of. He meets and greets everyone with a smile, and is truly a team player!
For his dedication to USO Guam and the troops we serve. Rich Ortloff is proudly named the USO Pacific Volunteer of the Quarter.