The Heartbeat of USO Humphreys: Two Veterans Celebrate a 2,000-Hour Milestone

Walk into the USO Center at Maude Hall on Camp Humphreys on any given morning, and you might be surprised. Instead of quiet, you’ll hear the upbeat rhythm of 80s Hip Hop and the unmistakable voice of Charles Woods singing along, welcoming every person who walks through the door.

That’s Charles’ signature start to the day. As staff often say, he “brightens everyone’s morning” before it even begins.

Charles, along with fellow volunteer Daniel “Dan” Melton, recently reached a remarkable milestone: over 2,000 hours of volunteer service with the USO. Their dedication represents the very heartbeat of the organization, a reminder that the USO is for the people who serve.

These two Veterans embody what steadfast commitment looks like. The 2,000 Hours milestone recognizes that commitment, but for both Charles and Dan, their motivation goes far deeper: a shared belief in giving back to the community that shaped them.

Charles Woods: Continuing the Mission of Support

For Charles, volunteering with the USO is a natural extension of his military service. After retiring, he didn’t want to “just sit around.” He wanted to stay active and continue serving those around him.

“When I moved from field artillery to admin in the military, my job was helping Soldiers get things done,” Charles explains. “It’s the same here. At the USO, we try to make guests feel welcome and empowered.”

Today, Charles is one of the center’s most trusted volunteers, a shift manager; he’s someone who, as Center Operations Manager Danny shares, “helps keep the doors open.” He’s at Maude Hall nearly every weekday morning, often opening the center before anyone else arrives.

When visitors have questions about passports, banking, or where to find their next stop on a busy post, Charles is the person who gets them on track. He takes pride in making sure every service member, family member, and retiree leaves feeling supported.

His service goes far beyond the front desk. Charles takes time to sit with widows and Veterans who need help navigating VA or Social Security benefits, bridging the gap between technology and those who may struggle with online systems.

“It’s not about rank,” he says. “It’s about what kind of person you are when you help others. That’s what the military, and the USO, are all about: helping and supporting each other.”

Even after two thousand hours, Charles says he’s not slowing down. “There’s always more to be done. We need more volunteers, more people giving their time and energy to support the community. Without volunteers, the USO can’t do what it needs to do.”

Dan Melton: “Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier”

For Dan Melton, a retired Sergeant First Class, the call to serve didn’t end with his uniform. He was the first volunteer at the Maude Hall center and has been part of its story ever since.

“The USO gave me the chance to give back to the community I love,” Dan shares. “I try to do everything and anything needed to make sure the USO is the best organization in the world.”

That “everything” truly means everything—from planning menus and preparing meals to running errands and making sure every visitor feels at home. Dan’s known for instantly creating a sense of belonging. When new families arrive, he greets the kids with snacks and introduces them to “Tiny Tim,” the center’s turtle mascot—giving parents a moment to breathe and settle in.

He also remembers every story. “One night, it was pouring rain,” he recalls. “A Soldier, actually a Colonel, needed to get to a briefing. I told him, ‘Come on, I’ll give you a ride over.’ You just help where you can.”

He also connects deeply with Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) Soldiers, helping them open up and feel included in the community. “He’s always been passionate, always kind and supportive,” says Y. W. Sop, a KATUSA who visits him frequently.

A Legacy of Service

Together, Charles and Dan are like pillars of the USO Humphreys community: trusted faces, steady hands, and living examples of what it means to serve beyond service. They remind everyone who walks through the doors that the USO is more than a place—it’s a promise.

Their 2,000-hour milestones represent thousands of moments of connection, comfort, and care. Each hour tells a story of empathy, optimism, and unwavering support for the people who serve.

“I hope I’ve inspired at least one person to volunteer,” Dan reflects.

In truth, they’ve inspired many. Their dedication is a shining example of the USO’s mission in action, and a testament to how one act of service can ripple across an entire community.