Meet the 2026 USO Service Members of the Year

The USO is honored to name the 2026 USO Service Members of the Year, who are being recognized for their heroic and selfless actions.

Each year, people who serve in each of the military branches are nominated by their command leadership for performing extraordinary acts of bravery that exemplify the values of the Armed Forces and the USO. Get to know this year’s honorees:

Capt. Emily Malcom | USO Soldier of the Year 2026

U.S. Army Captain Emily Malcom distinguished herself when her hometown of Kerrville, Texas, was devastated by catastrophic flash flooding on July 4, 2025, caused by the swelling Guadalupe River that resulted in over 100 fatalities. Upon learning of the crisis, Malcom did not hesitate to act. Despite being stationed at Fort Bliss with the 5th Armored Brigade, she selflessly arranged emergency leave and drove overnight to reach her community. Malcom reported for duty on July 7, quickly integrating herself with a volunteer fire department and collaborating with a search and rescue team to lead recovery operations.

Across more than 180 hours of service, Malcom tackled hazardous terrain and dangerous flood conditions to locate victims without regard to her own safety, and provided families with closure in their time of grief. Her determination under immense emotional pressure reaffirmed why she wears the uniform, as well as her unwavering commitment to her community and others.

As both an Army Reservist and law enforcement officer, Malcom personifies selfless service in multiple uniforms. The community of Kerrville benefited from her ability to bridge her dual roles, leveraging military discipline and civil familiarity with the region to foster efficient teamwork. Drawing upon her experience as a Kerrville Police Officer, she provided exceptional coordination among local law enforcement departments and federal emergency response teams. She helped organize dive teams, managed personnel in high-impact areas and served as a vital liaison to the Emergency Operations Center.

Malcom’s dedication extended beyond immediate rescue tasks: she also coordinated with church groups to distribute aid and emotional support to families who had lost everything. She partnered with nationwide rescue teams, ensuring long-term recovery efforts were well-resourced and managed. And her initiative directly contributed to five families finding closure after days of uncertainty. She did not seek recognition, but instead focused solely on healing her community and reinforcing its unity.

Captain Emily Malcom is originally from Austin, Texas, and is currently stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Lance Cpl. Matthew Garcia | USO Marine of the Year 2026

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew Garcia exemplified outstanding courage during what began as a routine battalion beach event that turned into a life-or-death crisis. When a fellow Marine was suddenly overtaken by heavy surf and rip currents more than 50 yards from shore, Garcia immediately assessed the life-threatening situation. Without hesitation, he dove headfirst into the water under hazardous conditions and executed a rescue without any lifesaving equipment.

Despite the risk to his own life, Garcia battled powerful waves and strong currents as he reached the struggling Marine. He stabilized the Marine, kept him above water despite repeated submersion and maneuvered him safely to shore before lifeguards could arrive on the scene.

Lance Cpl. Garcia’s decisive action, composure under extreme pressure and selfless disregard for his own safety were directly responsible for saving a fellow Marine’s life and reflect the highest traditions of the Marine Corps’ enduring commitment to Semper Fidelis – always faithful.

Lance Cpl. Matthew Garcia is originally from Los Angeles and is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, California.

Chief Petty Officer Joseph Hawthorne | USO Sailor of the Year 2026

When an armored vehicle became submerged, resulting in four missing crew members, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Joseph Hawthorne took the lead on an underwater recovery mission in Lithuania.

In April 2025, four soldiers of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were undertaking a training exercise in Lithuania when their armored vehicle became submerged in a swamp. Tragically, all four service members passed away in the accident.

Serving as the primary diver for the recovery mission, Hawthorne voluntarily and repeatedly entered a life-threatening environment, tunneling through collapsing mud that continually threatened to entrap him.

Over several days of 24-hour operations, he and his team operated in extremely hazardous and toxic conditions, including zero-visibility waters, constant risks of entrapment, equipment failure and exposure to environmental poisoning, all of which could have been proven fatal.

Hawthorne and his team’s selfless perseverance under extreme operational hazards was the driving force behind the successful recovery of all four fallen soldiers, epitomizing the highest standards of service, courage and sacrifice within the U.S. Navy.

Chief Petty Officer Joseph Hawthorne is originally from New Boston, Texas, and is currently stationed at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Mississippi.

Staff Sgt. Theodore Dudley | USO Airman of the Year 2026

Staff Sgt. Theodore Dudley was at home when the fire alarms went off and his apartment building began filling with smoke. As he prepared to evacuate and began descending the stairs, he heard fellow neighbors calling for help, as they were unable to see through the smoke. He managed to not only guide children, several families and five elders outside to safety, he also re-entered the building to ensure no one remained inside.

During the evacuation, Dudley had also noticed suspicious behavior from an individual near the building who was not a resident. With the information Dudley provided to police, along with evidence found near the crime scene, the suspected arsonist was apprehended. Dudley’s actions helped save 14 lives.

Staff Sgt. Theodore Dudley is originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and is currently stationed at Ramstein Airbase, Germany.

Master Sgt. David Gudgeon | USO Guardian of the Year 2026

U.S. Space Force Master Sgt. David Gudgeon, a Space Force Military Training Instructor, demonstrated exceptional composure and lifesaving skill during two separate medical emergencies, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the service members under his care.

During the first incident, Gudgeon reacted immediately when a recruit began choking. Remaining calm under pressure, he swiftly performed the Heimlich Maneuver, successfully dislodging the obstruction and enabling the recruit to resume training. In a separate emergency, Gudgeon expertly triaged two unconscious trainees, providing immediate and essential emergency support until medical professionals arrived. His knowledge of first aid protocols and his ability to remain composed under extreme pressure were critical in stabilizing the trainees and ensuring their survival.

Beyond these lifesaving actions, Master Sgt. Gudgeon serves as a Military Training Instructor and Operations Flight Chief. He has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of the Space Force and fostering a stronger sense of community within JBSA-Lackland. Leading a team of 14 Military Training Instructors, Gudgeon oversaw the training and development of 800 civilians, molding them into skilled guardians who directly support three critical Space Force career fields. His leadership has been instrumental in enhancing the success, morale and visibility of Space Force Basic Military Training.

Master Sgt. Gudgeon also spearheaded several high-impact initiatives that improved the training environment and strengthened the Space Force’s presence within the installation. He led a $10,000 squadron beautification project, a Space Force uniform display at the Basic Military Enlisted Heritage Museum and the creation of a leadership board at the Pfingston Reception Center, which welcomes approximately 250,000 visitors annually. Through decisive action, dedicated leadership and steadfast commitment to those he trains, Gudgeon exemplifies the highest standards of service and leadership.

Master Sgt. David Gudgeon is originally from Illinois, and is currently stationed at JBSA-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

Yeoman 2nd Class Cody Dmochowski | USO Coast Guardsman of the Year 2026

While off duty, U.S. Coast Guard Yeoman Second Class Cody Dmochowski saved the life of a motorcycle accident victim who had been thrown from their motorcycle into a heavily wooded area.

Immediately after witnessing the crash, Dmochowski put his own safety at risk and rushed to the scene. He found the victim with severe injuries, suffering a compound fracture with significant blood loss, and he quickly got to work: simultaneously rendering aid, assessing the condition of the victim and relaying critical information to emergency dispatch. Aware of the high risk of spinal injury, he instructed the victim to remain still, preventing further injury while navigating difficult terrain to provide comfort and reassurance.

He remained on scene for over an hour to assist with the investigation and later traveled to the hospital to check on the victim’s condition. His commitment did not end there; he has since provided unwavering support to the victim and the victim’s family. Without Dmochowski’s immediate, decisive and heroic intervention, it is unlikely the victim would have survived.

In addition to his lifesaving actions, Dmochowski serves as a Company Commander at Training Center Cape May, where he is one of only 56 specialists in the Coast Guard entrusted with the profound responsibility of transforming civilians into military members. He expertly develops raw recruits, fostering trust while holding them to the highest standards of personal conduct, morality and professional skill. His leadership has been a critical force multiplier, especially as the Coast Guard has seen a 25% increase in recruit throughput without a corresponding increase in Company Commanders. Through his courage, dedication and exceptional leadership, Dmochowski embodies the highest traditions of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Yeoman Second Class Cody Dmochowski is originally from Brick, New Jersey, and is currently stationed at USCG Training Center, Cape May, New Jersey.

Master Sgt. Jon Osterhout | USO National Guardsman of the Year 2026

U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Jon Osterhout voluntarily accepted a high-risk, short-notice deployment to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, during an escalating regional crisis in 2025.

Upon arrival in the Middle East, he immediately assumed leadership of a 585-member aircraft maintenance team operating under constant threat of hostile missile fire. His decisive leadership drove 14,500 maintenance actions, enabling 2,500 combat sorties that resulted in 29 aerial victories and the use of 671 guided munitions. These operations degraded enemy capabilities, contributing to an 87% reduction in regional missile attacks.

Simultaneously, Osterhout led the flight’s Emergency Management Program, safeguarding more than 600 personnel. He directed 27 critical repairs across 13 shelters, enhancing base survivability and readiness, which proved vital during five separate missile alarms.

Beyond the fight, he dedicated personal time to strengthening the force, volunteering as an instructor for the Joint Top Three Airpower Leadership Academy and mentoring 16 NCOs in leadership, counseling and standards enforcement, directly shaping the next generation of Air Force leaders.

Master Sgt. Jon Osterhout is originally from Aurora, Colorado, and is currently stationed at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado.

All of these service members embody the values of our nation’s Armed Forces, and we are proud to call them the 2026 USO Service Members of the Year.