USO Hawaii Announces the 2019 Salute to Service Honorees and the USO Hawaii Volunteer of the Year

USO Hawaii is proud to announce our 2019 Volunteer of the Year and six service members selected as Service Member of the Year. Honorees were nominated by leadership from their respective branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and are being recognized for their outstanding professional achievements, leadership, service to country, and embodiment of the USO's 8 core values. Honorees will be recognized at the annual Salute to Service Gala at the Four Seasons Resort in Ko Olina.

Our 2019 Air Force Honoree is A1C Jermaine D. Ayers. A1C Ayers is a Broadcaster for 15th Wing Public Affairs, 15th Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Throughout his career, he has gone above and beyond to ensure the quality of products produced from his Wing, including driving social media engagement and video production. His hard work and innovation have increased the Air Force presence to a local audience of 230,000 viewers.

Our 2019 Navy Honoree is CTI2 Eden Manucal. Throughout the year, CTI2 Manucal exemplified the USO core values in her support to the Navy mission and all those around her. CTI2 demonstrated the embodiment of excellence throught the year by deploying 200 days, flying 675 hours across 75 missions providing support to National, Theatre and Fleet Warfare Commanders. CTI2 Manucal exhibited “Do the Right Thing” and “Gratitude” by volunteering 34 hours while assisting 75 nurses in the treatment of over 300 patients at a local medical center and volunteering within her local community over 10 additional times. Additionally, while deployed on foreign shores, she volunteered within the community abroad, thereby strengthening relations between nations.

MTSC Karen A. Aquino volunteers with USO JBPHH, USO Schofield, and USO Special Events. She has dedicated over 1,295 lifetime hours to these centers. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, MTSC Aquino has worked her way through a fulfilling career with the Coast Guard, primarily serving in Marine Safety and Weather Forecasting. Through MTSC Aquino's professional achievement, leadership, and volunteer commitment, she has demonstrated just how fully she embodies the USO's 8 core values and we are proud to honor her as Volunteer of the Year.

Our 2019 Marine Corps Honoree, Sgt Matthew A. Manley, is the true representation of the USO's eight core values. Sgt Manley has a diverse range of academic knowledge, leadership experience, and technical proficiency. He has held many roles throughout his time in the Marine Corps, including Line Non-Commission Officer, Vehicle Recovery Chief, Squadron Dispatcher, and Martial Arts Instructor to name a few. In each of his roles, he has displayed a commitment to excellence, which with many other of his achievements, makes us proud to honor him.

SPC Michael R. Lindemann is our 2019 Salute to Service Gala Army Honoree. During the exercise Lightning Forge, SPC Lindemann served as a battalion interpreter. His professionalism was pivotal in representing the Army and helped to strengthen relations between the U.S. and Thai Army. SPC Lindemann has also logged more than 260 volunteer hours with USO Schofield, all of which he dedicated to ensuring the comfort and well-being of Schofield's service members and families. When he's not volunteering, his unit depends on his invaluable skills and cheerful personality.

Our 2019 National Guard Honoree, SrA Noel D. Tadeo, is currently serving as a Command and Control Battle Management Operator at the 169th Air Defense Squadron, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii. SrA Tadeo is a qualified tracker and identification technician, in which he ensures the defense of the homeland for Hawaii and Guam Airspaces. SrA Tadeo is a pillar in his community and within his National Guard unit.

Our 2019 Coast Guard Honoree is Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Tyler M. Ryan. CS2 Ryan currently serves as the Food Service Officer on the CG Cutter Kittiwake, an 87 ft patrol boat home-ported out of Honolulu. Throughout his time in service, CS2 Ryan has demonstrated a superb work ethic and has made numerous noteworthy contributions to the cutter and his shipmates. CS2 Ryan's efforts have earned him the unofficial title of "Best Cook in the Coast Guard" and the respect of his peers. His positive attitude and commitment to the CGC Kittiwake have set an excellent example for others to follow.