Onochie is out-processing soon to attend Air Force Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, and then move to his next assignment at Whiteman AFB, Missouri.
“I spend a lot of time here, even on days when I am not volunteering,” Onochie said. “It is a comfortable place for me. People tease me that I have my ‘own’ table near the windows. It gives me a good vantage point to see who is coming to the building so I can tend to the guests and their needs.”
When he first arrived on base, he found the USO Center to be a welcoming space for him to be with people – he is separated from his family – and to study for his career development courses. Then he took notice that some volunteers were of an advanced age.
“I typically like to lead and to serve. I hate to be part of situations when there is no one willing to step forward and give extra,” Onochie said. “I don’t like to see people struggling to carry heavy things. I felt uncomfortable seeing older folks serving me, so I thought I had to be part of this.”
He began by volunteering three or four times a week but tapered down to Mondays and Saturdays when he began earning an MBA with a healthcare management concentration from the University of Northern Alabama to go with his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. During his studies, Onochie thought nothing of stepping in as needed to close the center at 9 p.m. if no other volunteer was around. Living in Fairborn five minutes from the gates also helps in times of need.
Onochie was born in Nigeria; his four siblings are scattered around the United States. His parents have lived in both countries and visit the U.S. often. He married his wife, Faith, in August, and the newlyweds will be reunited for a visit soon when she travels from Nigeria.
Onochie said he wants others to volunteer at the USO as he has.
“Volunteering is fun; it is not a chore or task. We have all kinds of people doing so here – those who like to talk, new parents, technology buffs, veterans – and it’s a safe space in which to read, watch TV, play games. We are open every day. It’s a bit emotional for me to talk about leaving here,” he admitted.
He is bashful about the recognition he has received for his many hours of USO volunteerism.
“I didn’t come here to win awards; I just came to help out, and I hope my story could serve as an inspiration to others who come after me,” Onochie said.
His contributions to the USO will be missed, its manager said.
“I think Lawrence is one of our most present volunteers at the USO,” Oberg said. “I think he is one of the most knowledgeable volunteers that we have and one of our most accessible volunteers, and that’s why we have had him do so much training for us. His big smile and welcoming ways make all feel welcome.
“It’s very gratifying to see his nomination go all the way” to winning the USO quarterly award, Oberg said. “We are very proud of that and very proud of him. He is leaving some big shoes to fill behind.”
Oberg noted how volunteers are the lifeblood of the USO.
“We could not open our doors without our volunteers, and new volunteers are always welcome so we can support our service members,” he said.
To learn more about volunteering at the USO, go online to www.uso.org/volunteer or call Oberg at 937-904-0541.
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