USO Sigonella 2019 Volunteers of the Year: Bob and Deb Shakespeare

Bob and Deb Shakespeare began volunteering with USO Sigonella in May 2019. Since completing initial volunteer training, they have each accumulated more than 101 hours of service during the year. However, selection as USO Sigonella Volunteers of the Year is more than just about the number of hours, even though the more than 200 hours this couple has volunteered is considerable. Selection is also a recognition of demonstrated leadership, reliability and communications, a positive attitude towards service and the embodiment of the USO core values. Fortunately for us, Bob and Deb consistently displayed these attributes (and more!) throughout their service with the USO in 2019.

The Shakespeare’s come from Seattle, Washington and are in Sicily as senior leaders with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Bob served in the U.S. military as an officer and dentist for 40 years and both he and Deb clearly understand and epitomize service to others, a hallmark of our USO volunteers. They were previously recognized as the USO Sigonella Volunteer of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2019 and during 2019 they have become regulars for such volunteer shifts as Troop Lunch Support, Waffle Sundays, Service Member of the Quarter preparations and event, and Rotator Flight Support (both the late night and early – 0330 – morning). Equally comfortable assuming leadership or serving in a support role, Bob and Deb are both self-starters, taking care of tasks that they know need completing without needing direction, and bring a fun, upbeat approach to every event of which they are a part.

Thank you, Bob and Deb, for all of your efforts in 2019 to make the lives of our service members and their families better, keeping them connected to family home and country while they are stationed here in Sigonella, far from home. Your efforts are truly appreciated and are making a difference in the lives of others.