December 2024 Volunteer of the Month - Joseph Szafranski

This month, we are thrilled to honor Joseph Szafranski as our December Volunteer of the Month! Since joining the USO team, Joseph has made an extraordinary impact, quickly stepping up as a Lead Volunteer within his first month and having reached over 250 hours of service in four short months. His consistency and dedication have been evident from the start, particularly in his ability to manage closing shifts and his ongoing leadership during our Thursday operations.

Joseph is a true problem-solver and champion for the USO. From liaising with Civil Engineering (CE), KBR, and staff to address and resolve work orders and facility needs to identifying and communicating issues like overfilled fridges, Joseph ensures that the center remains functional and welcoming. He has spearheaded projects like trash cleanup and beautifying the exterior of the center, as well as reorganizing our pantry and storage shed multiple times—always going the extra mile to maintain our space.

Beyond his operational contributions, Joseph’s passion for community shines through. A frequent attendee and helper at the Spanish/English Language Exchange (SELE), he connects effortlessly with NATO partners, Army, and Air Force colleagues through his love of languages and personable nature. His efforts have extended to supporting morale drop and rotator welcome bag preparations, helping with Taste of Home events, and even cooking for Volunteer Night. His dedication has earned him recognition as Rookie of the Month and a Bronze Mission Award for Respect and Do the Right Thing in August 2023, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the USO mission.

Thank you, Joseph, for your tireless efforts, initiative, and heart. You embody what it means to be a leader and a team player, and we are so grateful for everything you do to support the USO and our community. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!