Volunteer Spotlight: USO Korea

By Kristen Loflin

Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter

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 Korea

Located in the most forward-deployed area in the Pacific region, USO Korea supports approximately 28,500 service members stationed throughout South Korea. The area’s 19 employees provide programs and services to the military community at four centers – USO Camp Casey, USO Camp Humphreys, USO Osan and USO Camp Walker – as well as three unstaffed lounges – Camp Carroll, Rodriguez Range and Warrior Base- and outreach operations to 14 various locations. Whether it is greeting patrons at the center or assisting with an event at one of the installations without a brick-and-mortar location, this support is only possible due to the assistance of over 480 volunteers. Today, we are happy to spotlight a few valuable volunteers at USO Osan Air Base:

A1C Caleb Addison Oswald

Caleb felt inspired to volunteer following a personal experience at a USO center while moving. | Photo credit USO Photo

Location: USO Osan, South Korea

Length of service: Volunteering since February 2025

What inspired you to volunteer?

What inspired me to volunteer is going through the Airport in Seattle on the way to Korea.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

Meeting others in the Military and giving back to the Base.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

Volunteering as a whole, the entire experience, especially participating in the events on Saturdays.

Dmitri Moffett

Dmitri has enjoyed developing his cooking schools while volunteering for Lunch on the Go events. | Photo credit USO Photo

Location: USO Osan, South Korea

Length of service: Volunteering since 2025

What inspired you to volunteer?

Personal development & bettering other’s experiences at Osan Air Force Base.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

Connecting with others of various backgrounds.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

Every event I volunteered in, especially cooking & handing out food during/for Lunch on the Go events.

Grason B. Johnson

Grason started volunteering after it was recommended by a friend. | Photo credit USO Photo

Location: USO Osan, South Korea

Length of service: Volunteering since March 2024

What inspired you to volunteer?

Co-worker recommended.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

The people (Staff and volunteers)

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

Volunteer appreciation events with other volunteers and staff.

CW3 Jerid R. Hitchens

After being supported by the USO for years, Jerid now enjoys being a part of the team providing support. | Photo credit USO Photo

Location: USO Osan, South Korea

Length of service: Volunteering since August 2023

What inspired you to volunteer?

I’ve finally found myself in a position where I have the time to give back the wonderful gifts the USO has provided me time and time again over my 23 year career. The USO has been there through so many deployments, PCS’ and unit events. I truly want to repay those efforts and be a part of it for our future generation of warfighters.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

My favorite thing is welcoming new arrivals to Korea. I really feel like we make a difference to those folks when I see how tired and worn out they are coming out of customs after a 15 to 30 hour travel day. They brighten up when we welcome them and let them know we see the sacrifices they make to serve our country.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

My favorite memory so far was being part of our outreach programs to Kunsan and Gwangju for Thanksgiving Day lunch/dinner. We traveled all over Korea on back-to-back days; it was exhausting but being able to spend that joy and give those service members a little touch of home for the holidays was wonderful and I’ll never forget it.

SFC Brandon D. Foister

Brandon is one of the newest members of the USO Osan Volunteer Fleet. | Photo credit USO Photo

Location: USO Osan, South Korea

Length of service: Volunteering since April 2025

What inspired you to volunteer?

I have always wanted to give time back to the community. Never had the opportunity until I came to Osan. Throughout my 16 year service, the USO has been with me throughout countless deployments and training rotations throughout the world.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

Since I am still learning everything, my favorite part is seeing the sincerity of the staff, and how involved the USO is with the community. I am trying to be involved as much as possible with all the events.

Jason Kim Manners

Jason is grateful to be a part of the team serving those who serve. | Photo credit USO Photo

Location: USO Osan, South Korea

Length of service: Volunteering since October 2024

What inspired you to volunteer?

After being a patron of the USO for more than 20 years.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer?

Serving those who Serve.

Is there a particular favorite moment or memory from volunteering?

The whole experience!

Volunteer Today!

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.

More from USO