Volunteer Spotlight: USO Overseas Virtual Book Club

By Kristen Loflin

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The USO proudly supported more than 40 percent of service members in 2024 through programs and services at one of our 250 plus centers or through expeditionary efforts and outreach operations around the world. Though the organization employs over 600 passionate individuals, the expansive reach of the USO cannot happen without the vital network of our volunteers.

In the USO Indo-Pacific region, our volunteer force can be found in Alaska to Korea. They range from active and retired military personnel to dependents and more– both human and canine! No matter how long they have been a part of the USO family, every single volunteer plays a significant role in mission delivery.

Join us all week long as we share spotlights of some of the men and women who are the true backbone and heartbeat of the USO Indo-Pacific region.

USO Overseas Virtual Book Club

Started in 2020, the USO Overseas Virtual Book Club is a volunteer-led program that brings the military community together across countries and time zones. This monthly club comes together through a love for reading, fostering relationships throughout the world. Volunteers for the Overseas Virtual Book Club are responsible for advertising, creating discussion guides, leading conversations and more.

Let’s meet some of these book lovers:

Rachel Humphreys

Location: USO Overseas Virtual Book Club and USO Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK

Length of service: Volunteering for the last two years

Rachel enjoys assisting the OVBC with admin work and helping connect the military community through a love for reading. | Photo credit Courtesy Photo

What inspired you to volunteer?

I love being involved with my community and volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded friends. While not being able to participate in the chat because of time zones, I still feel so connected to the team of volunteers and it’s great.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

A sense of purpose. That might sound silly, but it’s easy to lose yourself as a military spouse and full-time mom. Jobs are hard with my husband’s unpredictable schedule, so I find my purpose through volunteerism. I help out a lot at my kid’s school and it brings me so much joy.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

The love from our community! With the USO, it was being given the chance to talk to Rebecca Yarros via her USO MVP! Also, the little gifts from the USO team that occasionally arrive in the mail. The kindness from the team is profound.

Cristina Vera

Location: USO Overseas Virtual Book Club

Length of service: Volunteering for the last two years, previously with USO Ramstein, Germany

Cristina enjoys giving back to the military community through her love for reading. | Photo credit Courtesy Photo

What inspired you to volunteer?

Volunteering brings me joy because I’m involved in something I truly enjoy, and I’m happy to give back to our military families.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

My favorite experiences while volunteering with USO OVBC have included all the times I’ve been able to assist behind the scenes for our monthly book discussions and our live events in which we have an author join us: “Lessons in Chemistry” - Bonnie Garmus, “Fourth Wing” - Rebecca Yarros, “An American Story: Everyone’s Invited” - Wilmer Valderrama.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

Same as my favorite part about being a volunteer!

Cassandra Williams

Cassandra has been volunteering with the USO since 2018. | Photo credit Courtesy Photo

Location: USO Overseas Virtual Book Club

Length of service: Volunteering since 2018, started with the OVBC in 2020

What inspired you to volunteer?

I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer my time with others in the military community who share a love of reading!

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

I love that through the Overseas Virtual Book Club you can join from wherever you are and build connections through reading with people from all over the world! I have met some of the most outstanding individuals through this program!

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

One of the most memorable moments recently was having the amazing opportunity to read Wilmer Valderrama’s “An American Story Virtual Book: Everyone’s Invited” and discuss it with the USO Global Ambassador himself!

Susanne Taylor

Susanne enjoys being a part of the USO community through a unique opportunity like the OVBC.

Location: USO Overseas Virtual Book Club

Length of service: Volunteering as part of the OVBC since 2021, previously with the Warrior Center in Landstuhl, Germany from August 2020 to April 2022

What inspired you to volunteer?

Becoming part of the USO mission, especially while I was at the Warrior Center, allows me to give back to the military community and help soldiers feel they have a home away from home.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

Making soldiers smile and having formed life-long friendships with other volunteers.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

The love, understanding and compassion we share in the OVBC is one of a kind. I am so fortunate to be part of this wonderful group and can still give back to the USO community.

Volunteer Today

These ladies are just some of the individuals helping keep our military community connected throughout the world. If you are interested in welcoming guests, packing and delivering snack bags, helping with various programs or more in support of those sacrificing for our country, becoming a USO volunteer may be perfect for you! Learn how you can begin your journey here.

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