Finding Family at the USO: How Maddy Built Community at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

By Kristine Schou

Every USO Center is fueled by staff and volunteers who make service members feel at home. They are that friendly face who remembers your name, asks how your day is going and always finds a way to make you smile. At USO Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Maddy is one of those staff members, whose journey to working for the USO in Hawaii has been defined by connection, compassion and community.

Originally from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Maddy joined the USO Hawaii team in October 2024, bringing her experience as a barista and her passion for people and connection — something that quickly became the foundation of her work at USO Schofield Barracks.

As a military spouse, Maddy understands the challenges of her spouse’s frequent trainings and deployments, and through the USO, she found not just a place to serve, but a new kind of family. | Photo credit Courtesy Photo

Like many military spouses, Maddy has navigated the ups and downs of military life, such as her spouse’s military commitments – including frequent trainings and deployments – which often left her with long stretches of loneliness. But when she found the USO, she found a new kind of family.

“I love everything about what I do. My job matters, and everything I do counts,” Maddy shared. “The USO has given me so much — I’ve grown a lot and I’ve worked with some of the best people I’ve ever met.”

Military spouses face many unique challenges – from the stressors of their service member’s deployments, to frequent moves that require starting over both personally and professionally, life in the military means constant change.

The USO recognizes the strength of military spouses who tackle all of these challenges, and we stand beside them through it all. Whether it’s offering career coaching and networking opportunities, or simply creating spaces to connect with others who understand the lifestyle, the USO helps military spouses find stability, confidence and a sense of belonging no matter where the military takes them.

That sense of community and connection is exactly what Maddy brought — and found — when she joined the USO. From day one, Maddy hit the ground running. Her warmth, creativity and drive brought new energy to the Schofield Barracks community through everyday USO programs and events that connect service members and families. What started as small, cozy gatherings quickly grew into larger community favorites, like the Richardson Pool Party.

“At first, I thought the USO was just for printing and coffee,” she laughs. “But it’s so much more than that. Even outside of programs, it’s about making people feel comfortable — it’s like family.”

Hawaii might, at first glance, not seem like a difficult place to be stationed. After all, many military families and visitors alike love the beauty and community of Hawaii. However, the location of Schofield Barracks can present unique challenges for the people who serve there. The installation sits on the North Shore side of the island, far from many of O'ahu’s major shopping areas, beaches and off-base services. This often means longer drive times, traffic congestion and limited access to off-base resources, which can be challenging while also balancing military duties.

Families without reliable transportation can feel especially isolated. With fewer nearby recreational options, simple outings require additional planning, and rising living costs on the island can hit families harder when more affordable stores and services are farther away. Despite these hurdles, the strong sense of community that the USO brings to Schofield Barracks helps military families connect and thrive. 

Over the past year, Maddy has watched countless moments of connection unfold.

“Sometimes other people’s only interaction with someone is when they come into the USO,” she said. “When they tell me they came out of the house because of a USO event, or shared it with their families — that’s when I know I’m making a difference.”

Those personal connections are what keep Maddy showing up every day. In the end, her favorite part of the job is simple: the people.

“I never feel like I’m under a lot of pressure — everyone is so supportive. This is the first job where I’ve stayed and learned about myself day-by-day. Even on the chaotic days, I don’t mind. I show up because I want to.”

Maddy is currently pursuing her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and plans to apply those skills to make the programming at USO Schofield Barracks even stronger. Her goal is simple but powerful: to ensure every person who walks into the Center feels seen, welcomed and cared for.

Always looking ahead, Maddy is pursuing her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification to help strengthen programs at USO Schofield Barracks. | Photo credit Courtesy Photo

“I wish I had sought out the USO sooner,” she reflected. “You just can’t be by yourself all the time. We’re a space where people can hang out, make friends and relax — no pressure. I just hope that when people see me, they know I care a lot and that I’ll always make a space for them.”

Maddy’s supervisor Evon, the center operations manager at USO Schofield Barracks, has watched her journey unfold.

“Over the past year, Maddy has handled everything that’s come her way at the USO with a great attitude and steady focus. From tech hiccups during her interview to managing a literal fire at her first event, she has stayed calm, positive, and ready to learn,” he said.

“Watching her grow from a coffee barista supervisor to a center operations specialist has been a real pleasure. She jumped into the role before even settling into her new home — a classic military spouse move, showing her ability to adapt quickly and get things done.

Maddy brings fresh energy to our programming, always looking for ways to make events fun and engaging for our community. Her upbeat personality is a boost to the team, and she’s become a familiar and welcome face at the Center.”

Through the efforts of people like Maddy, USO Centers continue to be a place where service members and their families are supported, welcomed and never alone. Maddy’s dedication to the USO in Hawaii is a reminder that behind every program, event and cup of coffee, the USO’s mission comes to life through people who show up and are determined to make a difference.