WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- While the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base USO Community Center, Bldg. 1222 in the Kittyhawk Center already has a month of operations under its belt, this "home away from home" for active-duty military, Guard, Reservists and their families is in need of volunteers to staff it.

"We are looking for more dedicated volunteers who might be able to help us serve the men and women - and their families - of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base," said Leslie Moore, Wright-Patterson AFB USO Center volunteer coordinator.

Moore said volunteers are being sought to further the center's mission of strengthening America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.  "For nearly 75 years, the USO has been the nation's leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military and their families throughout their time in uniform. From the moment they join through their assignments and deployments, and as they transition back to their communities, the USO is always by their side," she said.

Moore may be emailed with any questions at leslie@usocso.org.

The USO Center, featuring the Wright Café with free Wi-Fi, game room and auditorium, is open seven days a week from noon until midnight. There are four shifts to choose from each day:
· First shift: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
· Second shift: 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
· Third shift: 6 to 10 p.m.
· Fourth shift: 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

"We especially need help on weekends and evenings - those are the busiest times," Moore added.

The USO Community Center also is home to the new Airman's Attic, which resembles a thrift store - except no money changes hands. Its new or gently used uniforms, household items, formal wear and baby items are available to enlisted personnel E1 through E4. The attic, managed by Herlinda Tallent, is open Wednesday through Saturday each week from noon until 6 p.m. Open shifts include: first shift, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and second shift, 2:30 to 6 p.m.

Prospective volunteers may register at www.Volunteers.USO.org and they will be contacted, said Sherry Ems, executive director, United Service Organizations of Central and Southern Ohio. People selected to volunteer will receive orientation and training about the USO and the center, she said.

Prospective volunteers also may register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/USOorientationdaytonarea.

Upcoming orientations are scheduled for April 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.; April 16 from 10 a.m. to noon; May 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.; and May 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. All classes will be held at the Hope Hotel located outside of Gate 12A. Free refreshments will be offered.

For any potential volunteer with base access, the requirement to attend an initial orientation class is being waived. Once registered, the center will make arrangements for the volunteer to sign up for and be trained during the first shift.