EMEA Celebrates Volunteer of Quarter I: Alyssa White

Military Appreciation Month is the perfect time to recognize and celebrate our USO EMEA Volunteer of the Quarter. This quarter’s winner is not only a dedicated USO volunteer, but also a full-time service member, making her commitment to service even more inspiring.

At USO Al Asad, the beginning of 2024 brought a major transition as the center shifted to an unstaffed model. Unstaffed USO centers provide many of the same amenities as staffed locations but are operated solely by dedicated USO volunteers rather than USO staff members. During this change, one volunteer stepped up in a big way — Alyssa White, our USO EMEA Volunteer of the Quarter I.

As a full-time deployed service member, Alyssa has not only ensured continuity of operations, but has also brought many fun events and morale-boosting programming to Al Asad Air Base (AAAB). As one of the original lead volunteers, she played a pivotal role in establishing a strong foundation for center changes. From coordinating logistics to rallying fellow volunteers, Alyssa’s leadership has made a lasting impact.

“At first, I signed up to volunteer at the USO out of curiosity—and honestly, to fill time during deployment,” Alyssa said. “I expected to be handing out snacks, sorting care packages, and helping to set up and run events. What I didn’t expect was how much the USO was going to help me. What started as a volunteer shift, and something to pass the time, quickly became one of the most impactful parts of my deployment.”

She also worked closely with the USO Center Operations Manager (COM) to take a full inventory and schedule 90 days of engaging and exciting events. She even created an Amazon wish list of essential supplies to help bring these programs to life. From concept to execution, Alyssa led every aspect of the events calendar — planning, ordering and delivering meaningful programs for the AAAB community.

When the COM was managing operations solo, Alyssa stepped in to assist with food programming and even took on routine kitchen duties. Her dedication extended beyond the center’s walls–supporting USO2GO requests which brings the comforts of the USO to service members in the field. She also led staff to deliver treats and smiles to those on guard duty.

Some soldiers weren’t able to make it to the USO because of their duties, so we brought the USO to them through USO2GO,” said Alyssa. "By bringing them little care packages, sweet treats, hot chocolate on cold days, and popsicles on hot ones, it was a simple way to serve those who serve, and to thank them for keeping us safe. This was one of my favorite events. Out here, morale matters, and being part of something that brings people together, even just for a moment, reminded me over and over again of my desire to serve.

What makes Alyssa’s commitment even more inspiring is that she juggles all this while serving as the only X-ray technician on base — a role with significant daily demands. Even so, she was still the first to raise her hand when volunteers were needed for daily center operations.

“The USO became my sanctuary. It was the one place I could show up not as a rank, or a role, but just as a person,” Alyssa said. "In a deployed environment surrounded by so much uncertainty, where we were all missing someone or something, it reminded me that service comes in many forms. Greeting someone with a smile and a simple ‘hello, welcome to the USO’ could be just as important as any mission. In those small, quiet acts of service—making cupcakes, showing someone the ‘free-x’, playing a card game, or simply just listening—I rediscovered compassion. Not just for others, but for myself as well.”

Alyssa’s contributions didn’t stop at programming. She was a driving force in shaping the AAAB unstaffed center operations guidance, reviewed and adjusted shadow shift procedures for volunteers and ensured orientation materials were updated for seamless staff-to-volunteer continuity.

Alyssa also appreciated the connections and lasting friendships she made during her time deployed. ”I never expected to form lifelong bonds over card games or sorting care packages, but that’s exactly what happened. Strangers from different branches and backgrounds became my team, and that team became my family. We laughed, vented, supported each other on the hardest days, and found common ground in our shared experiences. We celebrated holidays together, planned surprise birthdays, and checked in on one another when things got tough.”

Her initiative, reliability, and care have left a lasting mark on the AAAB USO team and the service members they support. Alyssa White exemplifies the spirit of service and resilience, and we are proud to recognize her as our EMEA Volunteer of Quarter I.

“I came to the USO expecting to give my time, but what I didn’t expect was how much I would receive in return—empathy, belonging, friendships, and memories that I will carry with me long after deployment ends,” she said. “The USO didn’t just serve coffee or snacks. It served connections, comfort and community. And for that, I will be forever grateful.”

Are you interested in volunteering with the USO?

As a USO Volunteer, you will provide hospitality, care, and kindness towards military service members and their families at a USO location or special event near you. This may include welcoming guests, serving snacks and beverages, ensuring a tidy, clean and relaxing environment, or by simply providing a listening ear. Head to uso.org/volunteer to learn more and get started.