Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kim Harris | USO volunteer Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Gulledge, sonar technician, of U.S. Navy...... read more read more
LIFE SUPPORT AREA, KUWAIT - A whole new attitude and feeling is coming to the United Services Center at Life Support Area, Kuwait, because of several volunteers from the U.S. Navy Customs.
Customs Inspectors with Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Forward Juliet have only been at the LSA for a few weeks, but 11 sailors have made a huge impact to the quality of life for the service members transitioning through this gateway command every day. Their help is much appreciated at the USO because this particular center is open 22 hours a day, 7 days a week. LSA's USO provides a resting place for 700 to 900 service members daily.
The members of the Customs want to support the LSA in a big way and go beyond simply conducting Customs Inspections. After working six days each week and twelve hours per day, inspecting on average 7,000 personnel per week they volunteer during their free time at the USO to make all service members feel at home away from home. The members of Customs fill their time at the USO, working to make it better for everyone.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Albert Lopez, engineman, is a member of the Customs group who volunteers at the USO. "We're in this together, no one's alone here," Lopez said. The Customs volunteers recycle confiscated items and donate them to the USO.
"Nothing gets wasted, if someone can use it and it saves them time and money, then this is a good thing," said Lopez a four year-veteran. Lopez is a member of the Morale Welfare and Recreation and a fulltime student majoring in International Relations. He doesn't have much free time on his hands, but he is committed to helping when he can. "We can touch the lives of soldiers who transition through the LSA and thank them in this small way," Lopez said.
Valarie Burnham, director of the USO at LSA is singing the praises of the Customs volunteers. "They have been an amazing help, the volunteers do all the things that keep the USO working smoothly," said the retired Navy Chief. "They clean up, sort care packages, and stock the kitchen. They keep the water coolers supplied. They have made running this site much easier," said Burnham.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Angelita Noche, ship's serviceman, fills her deployment by being as active in as many activities as she can. "I felt it was important to volunteer my time to the USO, because they have a limited staff and we can help them accomplish their mission as well," Noche said. Besides volunteering, she is the president of the Junior Enlisted Council and Command Coordinator for MWR. She believes her volunteerism will prove to be worth her while. "It will make my time here go easier and fly by," said Noche.
Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Gulledge, sonar technician, is also dedicated to improving the conditions of the USO. "My goal is to impact the lives of the soldiers serving; we are striving to make their lives better, because of what they are doing," said the 17-year veteran. "They are in Iraq and Afghanistan sacrificing," said Gulledge. Gulledge is a junior in college working towards completing his Human Resources Administration degree. He also contributes to the JEC and is a representative for the MWR.
Because of the efforts of the Customs volunteer group the hospitality and comfort level of the USO makes a difference to the Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines coming off-line.
"Sometimes we are the only place they have to rest during their travels. So I want to bring that little slice of home to the soldiers, making them feel welcomed and at home while they are here," said Burnham. "The volunteers provide the soldiers with much needed items that would normally be discarded, this makes it easier on the soldiers and everything comes full circle," She said. "The service members definitely appreciate it," said Burnham.
The Customs volunteers are motivated to make the USO center a little homier for the soldiers by contributing to the well being of service members and improving the quality of services provided. The USO is a home away from home, where the service members can rest their minds, bodies, and spirits. With the help of U.S. Navy Customs volunteers the USO at LSA brings that little slice of home to make life better for the service member and gives 11 sailors a chance to give back to their military family.
| Date Taken: | 07.31.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.31.2009 03:43 |
| Story ID: | 36989 |
| Location: | LIFE SUPPORT AREA, KW |
| Web Views: | 571 |
| Downloads: | 508 |
This work, Navy Customs Sailors Make Big Impact at United Service Organization, by PO2 Kim Harris, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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