USO Naples - February 2023 Volunteer of the Month

Please join us in congratulating CSS2 Ronnie Thompson for earning our February 2023 Volunteer of the Month award! Ronnie has been volunteering with us since November 2021 and, since then, has served 44 shifts, totaling over 145 hours. While being active duty, Ronnie still manages to dedicate so much time to the USO and Naples community. He has served many of our early morning Patriot Express flight support shifts, assisting in-transit military families as they PCS; has helped distribute flyers and marketing in the barracks for our upcoming programs; and has helped facilitate our holiday and large programs such as Taste of Home, Holiday Bingo, our Daddy Daughter Dance, and Family Game Night. This past month, Ronnie has also taken on some additional volunteer work to assist with from home, creating the dough for over 250 cookies for our big dance, and he’s helped man and close the Capo Center over a holiday weekend all by himself. Most recently, Ronnie served as the advocate and liaison for the JFC Junior Enlisted Association, making a significant donation of much needed supplies to our Centers here. As you can see, Ronnie has accomplished so much in such a short period of time, and we’re so grateful to have him on the team.

Ronnie comes to us from South Carolina and Kansas, having served his high school years there. When asked why he chose to start volunteering with us, he shared that he wanted “to be part of a big caring community outside of work, and [he’s] loved it ever since.” As many of you may know, Ronnie is a Culinary Specialist by trade, so it’s only fitting that one of his favorite programs is Daddy & Me. “ Ronnie shared, "it’s my favorite because I love to bake, and I get so excited seeing old and new people come together and bake as a family!” In his free time, Ronnie enjoys baking, riding his motorcycle, working out, and exploring new countries.

We truly could not do what we do as an organization without incredible volunteers like Ronnie. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do for all the military families stationed here in Naples. Well done, and congratulations again!