USO Vicenza Volunteer of the Quarter - 1st Quarter Carmen

Please join the USO Vicenza in congratulating Carmen Costas on being named our 1st Quarter 2023, Volunteer of the Quarter! Maria (Carmen) Costas began volunteering back in November 2022 and hit the ground running. Carmen loves to be involved in a little bit of everything. Whether it is helping at the front desk or supporting an event, she is always smiling and excited to be here. There have been many mornings that she is in the parking lot when we arrive to open the center and leaves with us at closing time. She helps maintain the center, always prepping new decorations for each season, ensuring patrons feel at home. Carmen’s fabulous customer service attitude brings a smile to everyone’s face that she encounters. She has also become one of our go-to volunteers for last-minute events and needs. One of Carmen’s specialties is creating decorations for our events or to celebrate special heritages. She has spent numerous hours both at the center and at home constructing beautiful decorations for Chinese New Year, USO Birthday, Black History Month, and the Sweetest Moments Dance. Carmen is also happy to help in the kitchen. She has been a common place during our larger food events helping with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s food programs, with baking, cooking, and helping clean up. When not in the kitchen, she can also be seen at our Del Din events dressed in costume while passing out snacks or assisting with our game nights, bringing laughter and smiles all around. Once again, join us in congratulating Carmen on becoming our 2023 Volunteer of the 1st Quarter. Volunteers like Carmen are how the USO continues to complete our mission of connecting service members and families to home and country while stationed abroad. By donating time and skills, our volunteers allow the team in Vicenza the chance to bring many amazing programs to the military community. Thank you, Carmen, for contributing to our efforts and being the force behind the forces!