How a USO Volunteer Continues to Give Back to His Local Community in Spain

By Courtney Pollock

The USO’s goal of strengthening the well-being of the people who serve wouldn’t be possible without the selfless dedication of USO Volunteers. Whether it’s hosting programs and events, or greeting and providing meals to military community members, our volunteers carry a crucial responsibility in carrying out our daily operations.

Since September 2023, Sergio Agulló has been a steadfast presence as a a volunteer for USO Rota] in Spain, where he takes part in strengthening the local military community.

“When I assist as a Center representative, my daily duties include welcoming patrons who enter the Center,” he said. “And I ensure USO Rota is a welcoming and clean environment. I also have the great opportunity of being a resource of opportunities here in Spain.”

In addition to assisting with USO Center operations, Sergio also helps with morale-boosting local outreach programs at USO Rota like “Cup of Joe on the Pier” or bingo. He has also spearheaded new programs to foster cross-cultural exchange for the community at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota.

“It is very important for me to feel part of the base community,” he said. “I was lucky to grow up on the base and I have some nice memories.”

Originally from Ferrol in Northern Spain, Sergio moved to Rota as a child because his father was in the Spanish Armada. He grew up in this community surrounded by both American and Spanish citizens, and volunteering at USO Rota was a way to give back to his local community.

Sergio’s involvement has led to new programming at USO Rota that allows the American community that is stationed there to gain a better understanding of the local culture.

“I am now the lead for a new program called ‘Cooking with Sergio,’” he said. “I teach how to make traditional Spanish dishes.”

As part of his dedication as a USO Volunteer, Sergio began his own local USO Program known as “Cooking with Sergio”. | Photo credit USO Photo

He is also working on developing a USO Rota pickleball team – a sport that is very popular in Spain and the United States – to encourage camaraderie and cross-cultural exchanges.

In his free time, Sergio enjoys playing pickleball and hanging out with friends because he feels that “time is something we should all appreciate more.”

Sergio also said one of his dreams is to live in the United States for a while.

When asked where, he responded, “My hope would be in a small town where I could discover a new adventure.”

Until then, one can find Sergio continuing to be a pillar of support at USO Rota and we are grateful to have USO volunteers like him supporting the people who serve.

-This story was originally published on DVIDShub.net. It has been edited for USO.org.

Are you interested in giving back to the people who serve and volunteering with the USO? Learn more about what it means to be a USO Volunteer and if there’s a USO Center near you by clicking here!