Volunteer Experiences
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the
heart.”
– Elizabeth Andrew
USO volunteers represent a
unique team of dedicated individuals making a significant difference in the
lives of the troops and their families. Yet through their countless hours of
selfless service, their own lives have changed as well. But don’t take our word
for it – take theirs. The following stories are just a taste of the hundreds of
personal experiences from our real life volunteers whose work is so vital in
helping the USO centers and services stay on track.
Brian and Fran McHugh
Location: USO, Baltimore-Washington International Airport
Recently retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Brian McHugh and his wife Fran have contributed nearly 400
hours since they first start volunteering in 2008 at the USO BWI. In addition
to often managing the tough overnight shift in the lounge, they also represent
the USO Metro at many off-site events, while Fran has secured over $1,000 in
donations for the Oktoberfest raffle.
“As the spouse of a retired military member, I've experienced the
challenges and stresses that military travel can bring first hand. I've
been supported and comforted by others who have manned the desk at the USO,
both at the BWI Airport Lounge and overseas. I like being able to apply
my military life experiences and my knowledge of the airport and the local
area to help reduce the stress that our visitors feel. And I'm thankful
for those volunteers who did the same for me!”
Fran McHugh
“While voluntarism isn’t necessarily a requirement for
serving in the military, as one rises through the ranks, it is looked at with
admiration by your leaders. It is
funny, but I have continued on after my retirement without even thinking twice,
just because I love to lend a hand.”
Brian McHugh
Catherin C. Lammon
Location: USO Fort Carson
As the daughter of a soldier
who served his country for 20 years, Catherin C. Lammon spent her entire life
surrounded by troops and their families. She went on to serve in the Air Force
herself, also retiring after 20 years of service, and came to the USO by way of
her work through the booster club at Schriever Air Force Base. She now helps
out with several programs at the Fort Carson USO, and says her volunteering
experience has forever changed her life.
“In 1971, my father picked up a soldier carrying his life in a
duffel bag on his way home from Vietnam. He gave the man a little money and
took him to his house to finish his journey home. This act of kindness
influenced me and motivated me to do community service. I looked up to my
father a lot growing up. He was always volunteering or doing something in the
community. If it wasn't Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, it was fixing a hot meal for
the elderly. I grew up knowing there were less fortunate people in the world.
It is a tender heart that leads me to help where there is a need. There is a
passion inside of me that drives me to help others. There is always a need.
It's all about giving back to the troops who serve the greatest country in the
world.”
Catherin C. Lammon
Richard Murphy
Location: DC Metro USO, Washington, DC
As a former sergeant with the
U.S. Army, Richard Murphy offers the unique perspective of having once been on
the receiving end of USO services. He now helps out with numerous programs
through USO of Metropolitan Washington, including Mobile USO and Operation USO
Care Package, as well as Honor Flights.
“You asked
why I volunteer with the USO? The USO is the one place that our heroes
know they can go to for a cup of coffee, a handshake, a smile, some relaxation,
or to be entertained; all with no strings attached, regardless of rank,
regardless of branch of service or component, regardless of reason…all are
welcome. Considering what our heroes do for us, every day, I like being
on the team that they rely on, especially considering our reliance on
them. The USO takes care those who take care of us. Here’s my basic
bottom line: I volunteer for other things, but I cannot NOT volunteer with
the USO. It’s an honor and a privilege, and the USO allows me to give my
best to the one group of people who deserve that the most. I only regret
that I don’t have more time to give.”
Richard Murphy
Merrie Ellen O’Donnell
Location: USO Fort Carson
Merrie Ellen O’Donnell has
volunteered with the USO for two years, offering up her time and services for
various programs at the Fort Carson location, including holiday events,
barbeques and the rodeo.
“This past year on Christmas Eve, we were planning on having family
dinner at home and instead we made more food, brought it into the USO, and
had a family dinner with all the troops (who) were away from their
families for the holidays. Word spread and we ended up having quite a few
troops come in and share the special evening with us. It was truly their home
away from home. I remember one young soldier saying how long it had been since
he had such delicious homemade food. They were all so appreciative and some
even said they didn’t miss their family as much as they would have,
because we were here to spend it with them. I am proud to be a USO
volunteer.”
Merrie Ellen O’Donnell
Beverly McKee
Location: USO Fort Carson
Beverly McKee became a member of
the USO volunteering family just over the past year and among other
contributions, she lends her computer expertise to help maintain the website
for the center.
“Volunteering at the USO means the world to me. If I can help one
person or put a smile on just one person’s face, it's all worth it. No matter
how bad my day or my problems, the USO makes it all disappear and my heart
is filled with joy. Once I was at the shopette on post waiting in line when an injured
soldier turned around and looked at me and said, ‘Wow, you’re with the USO?’ I
replied, ‘Yes sir, I am!’ He shook my hand and said, ‘Thank you so much for
what you guys do!’ I said, ‘No, thank you for all you do and putting your life
on the line for our freedom.’ He went on to tell me how the USO had been there
for his family in a true time of need. I reached out to shake his hand again
and he pulled me in for a hug. Right then I knew the USO was the right
place for me. I feel like it’s like a calling for me to be here
to support our troops.”
Beverly McKee
Ken and Andy Henderson
Location: USO Kaiserslautern and USO Europe
Married for 29 years
this April, Ken and Andy Henderson have become a part of the USO family through
their volunteering at centers in both Kaiserslautern and Europe. As a former
Tech Controller for the Air Force, Ken was very familiar with the USO services
and mission, and the couple now helps facilitate many of the same events and
programs he enjoyed while on active duty, including Case Lot Sales, Thanks for
Thanksgiving, Halloween with AFN, Warrior Center barbeques, Single Solider
Night, Baumholder Christmas Tree Lighting and more.
“We want to support our community. Why sit around at home when
you can be helping someone through volunteering? We believe in the USO
and we know the goodwill and comfort that they render. Why wouldn’t we
want to be a part of that? It is simply the right thing to do. We
enjoy it. Volunteering becomes a second part of life. Helping the USO
is fun. You get something out if it every time.”
Ken and Andy Henderson