Local USO volunteer wins national award

  • Published
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  You've seen him at the 916th Family Day, at pre-deployment briefings and at several homecomings over the last 18 months.

While you recognize his face, his name might allude you.

Al Pedersen is the humble volunteer who provides a USO presence to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

Just a few weeks ago, Pedersen was named the USO Volunteer of the Quarter by the National USO Organization.

As Seymour Johnson's base liaison, Pedersen has been instrumental in helping all those who serve here, both active duty and Reserve. He has provided thousands of Smiles Over Miles cards for deploying Airmen which helps connect families to their loved ones overseas and he's supported many community-base activities and homecomings.

"Before Al came here to volunteer we really only saw the USO in Charlotte and Raleigh airports," said Maj. Shannon Mann, 916th Public Affairs officer. "He has done so much to help this base and our Airmen, he is a constant presence here and we're so glad that the national organization recognized his amazing efforts."