Volunteer of the Quarter: Gina Batvinskas
In the bustling corridors of Pittsburgh International Airport, amidst the whirl of travelers and the hum of announcements, there is a constant source of warmth and hospitality—a face everyone knows. Her name is Gina Batvinskas, and for over a year, she has been part of the USO team at Pittsburgh Airport.
When Gina first walked through the doors of the USO in October 2022, she didn’t just step into a volunteer role; she embarked on a mission. A mission to serve, to support, and to give back. Over the course of the year, she has given over 683.50 hours of service.
From the very beginning, Gina made it clear that her priority was the USO’s mission: to provide a “touch of home” to our service members wherever they are. Her involvement spans not only Pittsburgh Airport but also the surrounding Coraopolis area, where she’s helped to spread the USO’s mission to all corners of Pittsburgh. It’s not just about the hours she’s dedicated; it’s about the heart and soul she pours into each task.
One of Gina’s most notable contributions has been her leadership role in the annual Rucksacks to Backpacks event. This event is an enormous undertaking, requiring careful organization and attention to detail. With donations flooding in each year for backpacks and school supplies, Gina took the reins, helping to organize and distribute these backpacks to military families across Pennsylvania. Her knowledge of the local area, and of the needs of service members, ensured that the event was not just a success—it was a testament to her commitment to ensuring that every family felt the USO’s support. This year, Gina personally helped deliver backpacks to 250 kids, spreading joy and giving families the resources they needed to start the school year right.
In addition to logistical coordination, Gina is known for her innovative ideas in youth programming. Gina took it upon herself to create fresh, fun, and engaging activities for children during USO events. She carefully plans and tests each project at home to ensure they’re perfect for the kids who attend.
Family Days in Coraopolis are a staple for military families, providing much-needed support and community. Gina ensures that every event is memorable, with crafts, activities, and snacks that the kids love. Her presence is a constant reminder that the USO is here to support the families who sacrifice so much. She’s also become an ambassador for the organization, bringing information about volunteer opportunities and spreading the word about the USO’s mission to those around her.
Her contributions extend beyond just event planning and activities. Gina’s logistical support is invaluable. She organizes the staff office, ensures that food items are used efficiently, and even takes the lead on food deliveries to the airport warehouse. Her early morning trips to Walmart and Sam’s Club ensure that the USO always has the supplies needed to support service members and their families. It’s no small feat, but Gina handles it with the same level of grace and dependability that defines her entire volunteer career.
For new staff members, Gina is the guide they didn’t know they needed. She helped a USO staff member transition into the airport’s bustling environment. “Gina was a tremendous support person to help transition into my new role,” said Ashely Jarvis, Center Operations Specialist with the USO.
But there’s more to Gina than just her volunteer work. She is a Blue Star Mom, and her son is preparing for a deployment this winter. Her strength and commitment to her country and her community are reflected in everything she does, whether she’s organizing an event or preparing for her son’s deployment. She serves as an inspiration to all who know her—showing us that dedication to one’s country and community is a calling, not just a duty.
In recognition of her dedication, Gina has been nominated as the Volunteer of the Quarter for Q4 of 2024, a well-deserved honor for a woman who has given so much to the USO and the families it serves.
As fellow volunteer Lisa Kingsbury puts it, “Gina is great to work with. She not only makes the time fun, but she is also always ensuring that things go smoothly. She is always engaging with the service members. She is one of the most dedicated volunteers I know.”
In the end, it’s not just the hours or the tasks that make Gina special; it’s the love and dedication she brings to everything she does. She’s a true volunteer, a true hero, and a true friend to all who serve.
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