From Guam to Alaska: How Ed's Commitment to Service Members has Positively Affected the USO

By Trey Smith

Edmund “Ed” Lebita wasn’t expecting a life-changing moment when he first volunteered at the USO on Thanksgiving Day in 2011. He was in grad school, focused on earning his MBA, when he signed up through his university for what he thought would simply be a meaningful way to spend the holiday. But from the moment he got to work – surrounded by service members, volunteers and a powerful sense of connection – something clicked.

That day planted the seed for what would grow into a lasting career. Over the years, Ed’s role with the USO evolved from volunteer to trusted leader, shaped by a deep belief in the USO’s mission. Now, as an area operations manager for the organization, he brings the same energy and purpose to everything he does – ensuring service members and their families feel supported no matter where they’re stationed or what they’re facing.

Ed Lebita, a USO area operations manager based in Alaska. | Photo credit USO Photo

“It was this huge event held by USO Guam on Thanksgiving Day for service members and families. And it sucked me in that first day,” Ed shared. “My second time volunteering was about a month later. It was called the USO Guam Run for our Heroes, and I also fell in love with it. So I was hired on March 21st of 2012, and it’s been 13 years.”

His journey with the USO began in Guam, and has taken him to Yokota, Japan, and now Alaska. In each place that he’s called home, he has helped develop and strengthen programs for the local military community.

Of all the ways he’s been able to give back through the USO, Ed says his favorite is supporting military parents who are expecting through the USO Special Delivery program - offering comfort and connection during a time that can feel especially isolating when far from home.

“There was a room full of moms, I would say about a hundred. And one of the ladies, even before the event started, just got up and said, ‘Thank you so much for hosting this baby shower for military moms. I just moved here to Guam. I have no friends, no family and I never would’ve had a baby shower if it wasn’t for the USO.’ I was like – this is just the best thing ever,” Ed said.

The USO Special Delivery program, hosted both virtually and in person, was created to recognize and support military families facing these unique challenges. By combining baby shower games, inspiring guest speakers and meaningful giveaways, the events foster a sense of belonging, helping new and expecting parents feel celebrated and supported.

Today, Ed leads operations in Alaska, where remote postings and extreme conditions can leave service members feeling incredibly isolated. Not only does living in these remote areas leave them with very limited places to spend their time outside their barracks, but they also are dealing with a place with a unique climate. Alaskan summers can see the sun in the sky almost 24/7, and winters get very little daylight. All of this can be compounded with the fact that many of them are far away from their loved ones back home.

That’s why the work of Ed and his team is so important. From organizing community-building events to providing everyday comforts, he and his team work to make sure every military member knows they’re not alone – whether they’re stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Fort Wainwright or beyond.

“It’s very hard for service members here because of the remoteness, the cold, the polar night during the winter, it’s 20 hours of darkness,” Ed shared. “During the summer, it’s 20 hours of sunlight. It’s very hard to adjust being so far away from your families and dealing with the darkness and trying to make friends while it’s cold. So that is really the unique challenge here.”

Throughout his time with the USO, one thing has remained clear: Ed understands the power of a strong team. USO staffers and volunteers play a vital role in every success, and their dedication is woven into each Center’s welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Whether behind the scenes or front and center, their contributions help bring the USO mission to life in meaningful ways – something Ed consistently recognizes and appreciates.

As a matter of fact, a “win” for Ed is “seeing the local staff having all the tools they need to be successful and to serve the people that walk into the doors. If they have all the tools they need for success at the Center level, then me as an operations manager, then I’m doing my job.”

Although Ed is still relatively new to Alaska, he has developed a strong connection to the region and its unique challenges. And he looks forward to strengthening the USO’s presence and visibility within the various military communities of Alaska.

“More people are coming to Alaska, more people are coming into the Centers. We’re really increasing our visibility throughout the state. And I’m really excited to see the growth here,” Ed shared.

As Ed continues to embrace his new role in Alaska, he hopes anyone thinking about donating or contributing to the USO’s mission will take an opportunity to see the organization’s mission with their own eyes by volunteering.

“Come out and see the great work that the USO is doing. By really immersing yourself in the mission and seeing what we do firsthand, it invigorates you to really want to be part of the USO community that is a direct way to give back to service members,” Ed said.

With a calm mission-driven approach and a heart for service, Ed brings something truly valuable to USO Alaska. His experience, steady presence and passion for supporting the military community make a real difference for those stationed far from home. As the USO’s reach continues to grow in the region, the military community of Alaska are fortunate to have a leader so deeply committed to their well-being.