Marine Corps Air Station Futenma -- Many service members join the military not only to protect their country but also for self-improvement. Some go beyond that calling to improve the well-being of others through volunteer service and support.
It is for this reason that the USO recognized Petty Officer 2nd Class Bradley C. Smith for his work in the community as the USO Pacific volunteer of the quarter Nov. 1 at the Headquarters Supply Building on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
“I was not expecting this (award),” said Smith. “I really am thankful for receiving it.”
The award is part of the ongoing USO volunteer recognition program. Smith is one of the few service members from military installations around the world who are recognized for their dedication to helping others and offering their time to support military functions.
“Smith was actually the volunteer of the quarter in Okinawa, which led to him being selected as the volunteer of the quarter in the Pacific,” said Freddie Cotton, the central manager at USO Futenma.
Due to his passion and selflessness, Smith earned the attention and respect of his peers, leadership and the USO staff.
“(Smith) is a very dependable sailor and always strives to be the best,” said Lt. Wesley Scholtz, the chaplain of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma. “He helps support the USO whenever he can.”
Smith organized multiple USO sponsored events last year.
“Smith took charge of the quarterly blood drive and increased support and units of blood from an average of 20 units to approximately 30-35 per quarter,” said Cotton. “His efforts have seen USO Futenma bring in over 500 dollars of donations this past year. He has also helped USO Futenma see an increase of 20 percent for our center-based programs like ‘Dinner and a Movie Nights’ and ‘Flapjack Friday.’”
The USO mission of “lifting the spirits of American troops and their families” was Smith’s top priority when he volunteered.
“He just has it in him to naturally want to help people,” said Cotton. “He doesn’t ask ‘why,’ he asks ‘what can I do to help.’
“(Smith) mentioned today that he does not see volunteering as work,” added Cotton. “He also stated that he does not volunteer for awards or personal gain, he just truly loves what he does.”
The USO and the chaplain’s office decided that it would be best to present the award in front of a formation to inspire his peers and to encourage them to pursue other volunteer opportunities.
“This award will affect (Smith) in the near future because he has seen how satisfying it is to volunteer and help someone else just because of his passion for what he does,” said Cotton. “In the long run, every one of his peers will remember this moment when he received this award and think to themselves, ‘I want to help someone else.’”