The spirit of service: 31st ADA Brigade soldier recognized for supporting troops through USO.
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Matias moved to Puerto Rico before a career opportunity brought him to the U.S. Virgin Islands. There, he said, he strengthened his English skills and ultimately fulfilled a longtime goal of joining the Army.
That determination to serve has carried into his work supporting fellow service members, both in uniform and as a volunteer.
Now a religious affairs specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Matias was recognized Oct. 23, 2026, for his selection as the USO Europe, Middle East and Africa regional Volunteer of the Quarter. Selected from more than 4,000 volunteers for his contributions from April through July 2026, he is now eligible to compete for the region’s Volunteer of the Year.
The USO is a nonprofit organization that supports service members and military families through care packages, entertainment, welcoming centers and programs that foster connection throughout military life. Operating at more than 260 locations worldwide, the organization reported more than 11.7 million uses of its programs and services in 2025.
The recognition reflects Matias’ efforts to help service members stay connected and supported during an overseas deployment. When conditions limited USO staff members’ ability to reach troops, Matias helped bridge the gap. His military duties took him to locations where he could also help deliver USO supplies, extending the organization’s reach to service members with limited access to its support.
For troops facing demanding conditions, those deliveries provided a break from the daily pressures of a deployed environment and served as a reminder that others were thinking about them.
“Staff Sgt. Matias exemplifies the very best of the noncommissioned officer corps,” said Col. Andrew McCollum, commander of the 31st ADA Brigade. “His selfless service, initiative and commitment to taking care of others, even in the most challenging conditions, reflect the values we expect across the 31st ADA Brigade. We are incredibly proud of ‘Manny’ and the difference he continues to make.”
That commitment also connects to Matias’ military occupational specialty, 56M. Religious affairs specialists support chaplains, coordinate religious support activities and help ensure soldiers can exercise their religious beliefs. Their work also helps leaders understand concerns affecting morale and supports the spiritual readiness of the force.
Within the brigade’s unit ministry team, Matias helps turn that mission into support for soldiers. Planning, coordination and attention to individual needs, help the team reach people during routine operations and difficult moments alike.
SSG Matias’ relationship with the USO began on the receiving end of that support. Early in his Army career, its volunteers offered a welcoming environment during a major life transition. Later, while separated from his family at a new duty station, he again found connection through the organization. These events inspired SSG Matias to start volunteering in 2017 to provide the same support for others during difficult times.
The recognition from the USO brings SSG Matias’ experience full circle: A soldier once welcomed by volunteers became someone others could count on.
Matias’ story exemplifies the spirit of selfless service and shows how extraordinary challenges can be overcome by people willing to help. Matias' experience shows the heart of volunteerism: the support someone receives can become the reason they step forward for someone else.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
