Q4 2023 Volunteer of the Quarter

Bryan Bevard whom we affectionately call “Mr. Do The Right Thing” is USO Incirlik’s Volunteer of Quarter IV!

This well-deserved recognition demonstrates Bryan’s tireless dedication, tenacity, and exceptional contributions he has gifted the Incirlik community and making a profound impact for our service members, civilians, and NATO partners. He has lead with valor and poise by serving as: a lead volunteer at USO Incirlik; managing the operations and facilitation of the 39th Air Base Wings’ FTAC (First Time Airmen Course) coordinating monthly lunch and learns at our center; taking lead on weekly lunch gaming programs by serving our patrons; facilitating manning and closing the center week days and weekends; and the list goes on… Bryan’s mission first mentality is the essence of him earning this recognition.

Bryan joined the USO Incirlik volunteer family during late summer and quickly accumulate more than 250 hours. Within the first month, Bryan became a lead volunteer and supported center staff in opening and/or closing 6 out of 7 days per week. He became an ambassador for the center and the USO’s mission just by how he illustrated his excitement for what the USO stands for and brings to service members daily. By him volunteering and managing more than 50 weekly gaming and other programs including serving during Taste of Home, Munchin’ Mario Mondays, Franks For Your Service, and Waffle Wednesdays twice a week during his personal lunch hour, Bryan drew new service members to sign up and volunteer as well. The recurring answer when staff asked prospective volunteers how did they hear about the USO was “Bevard always talks about the USO and shares how much fun it is to volunteer, and be in good community while giving back.”

Bryan’s most innovative and notable role is introducing new Airmen to the USO by creating a monthly collaboration between the FTAC course and the USO. In this capacity, he plays a crucial role in the successful integration of young Airmen into the base community. He goes above and beyond by not only facilitating the FTAC program but also bringing the class to the USO center for a monthly “lunch and learn” session. These sessions offer new Airmen valuable insights and resources that the USO offers while they are stationed here and beyond. It also promotes a sense of belonging and support from day one, so much so that several of them have signed up to volunteer and become lead volunteers too. One other lead volunteer has shared with staff how “Bryan is my mentor. He has taught me so much about being and navigating the military, maintaining balance, and working on my professional development. I like coming to the USO to volunteer, but it is also time from me to get advice and wisdom from Bryan. I’m a better person because of him.”

Another innovative and impactful contribution of Bryan was organizing the largest Morale Drop we have had this quarter. He noticed that members of his team appeared to feel somewhat of a summer gloom. Many were preparing to leave for their next tour, some arriving and already missing family, and the work load felt heavier. Bryan saw this as an opportunity to truly illustrate USO’s ability to be a force behind the forces and have our service members’ back. With his creativity and having a servant heart, he helped transform the USO van into an ice cream truck that provided sweet treats for the entire flight line on base. This fun initiative brought smiles to the faces of countless service members and boosted much needed morale during the hot late summer days here in Türkiye. It truly exemplifies Bryan’s commitment to creating a positive and engaging environment for the military community.

Bryan has been a light to USO Incirlik, and we are beyond grateful to have him be a part of our team. We celebrate and congratulate you Bryan for being our Volunteer of the Quarter, and truly thank you for your unwavering service!