Volunteer Spotlight: USO Hawaii

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.

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USO Hawaii

As the second of two states not part of the continuous U.S., service members in Hawaii find some of the same challenges to those in Alaska – far from home despite still being in the country, harder to travel, etc. With approximately 109,000 active military personnel, the USO Hawaii team works endlessly to support service members and their families through events, programs and services. There are currently four centers located in the state - USO Fort Shafter, USO Honolulu and USO Fort Shafter on Oahu as well as USO Póhakuloa Training Area on the big island of Hawai'i – managed by only 12 employees. Needless to say, the area’s almost 300 volunteers play an important role in the support provided to the military community. Let’s meet a few:

Dillon Naquin

Location: USO Fort Shafter, HI

Length of service: Volunteering for the last year and a few months

What inspired you to volunteer?

Ft. Shafter is a small community, and I thought working with the USO would be a good way for me to help other soldiers have a reliable place where they can unwind.

What is your favorite part about being a USO Volunteer?

The people you meet. I’ve made plenty of great friends and connections through both my fellow volunteers, the staff and our regular patrons.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

My standout moment has to be the Christmas events we do. It is one of the days a lot of people wish they could be back home, but military life doesn’t make that possible all the time. So, giving my fellow service members a place to be amoungst friends makes the job and my efforts all the more important.

A note from the USO Fort Shafter Center Operations Manager: Dillon has been a rock-solid presence at USO Fort Shafter for over a year, quickly establishing himself as a dependable, reliable and respected leader among our volunteers and regular patrons. He’s always ready to step in, support the team and uplift Soldiers and their families. With a Master of Arts in History, he brings a wealth of knowledge and is always quick to talk about the importance of the USO and the many programs it features which bridge the gap between home and our military community. His dedication to serving is always brightest during the holidays. He has become part of that welcoming space for those far from home. Dillon truly embodies what it means to serve those who serve.

Faith Santiago

Location: USO Schofield Barracks, HI

Length of service: Volunteering since 2019 - I started volunteering when we lived in Germany at USO Stuttgart, then we went to North Carolina for 3 years at USO Fort Bragg, in South Korea for 2 years at Camp Humphreys -Sentry Village and now here in Oahu, Hawaii.

What inspired you to volunteer?

Being a family member that moves frequently and understands how hard it is to be far from loved ones, I found that the USO provides military members with a sense of home that I am able to help provide with a few hours of my time.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

Knowing that my military family members are given the opportunity to walk in to the USO and be greeted with kindness the same way I try to give service members when they visit the USO I am at.

Is there a particular moment/memory from volunteering?

Recently, I have been doing the Patching Ceremony for USO Schofield, and I am able to welcome the newest service members arrival to the base with “Aloha” by gifting them with a candy Lei made by our USO volunteers. The ceremony has some family members who also attend, and I let them know about all our upcoming activities at our center USO Schofield Barracks. I really appreciate being part of a supportive community with the USO.

Nathaniel Abcede

Location: USO Schofield Barracks, HI

Length of service: Volunteering since December 2021

What inspired you to volunteer?

I wanted to be part of the USO’s mission and meet new people along the way.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

My favorite part about volunteering is meeting other people and getting to know them.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

My favorite memory was when the USO hosted a Thanksgiving event on Schofield Barracks where over 100 soldiers from across the installation came and enjoyed the holiday with us.

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Volunteer Today

Dillion, Faith and Nathaniel’s volunteer journey all began because they decided to take action. 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.