Current OdysseyCares Volunteering / Philanthropy Activities:
Do you have extra holiday cards lying around the house? Why not put them to good use? USASOA sends holiday cards to troops stationed worldwide who may be away from home during the holidays. Check out USASOA’s website for more instructions on how to send holiday cheer to our troops!
When: Deadline for USAOSA to receive cards: December 5, 2024 (please do not send cards after the December 5 deadline has passed)
Stop by the Odyssey office to Donate a new, unwrapped toy on or before December 12, 2024! We’re also recruiting volunteers to help deliver donated toys to the local Toys for Tots collection center on December 13.
When: November 4, 2024 – December 12, 2004
Where: Odyssey Clearfield Office—1412 South Legend Hills Drive | Third Floor Office 321 | Clearfield, UT 84015 | Map
Help Wreaths Across America to remember, honor, and teach, by volunteering, sponsoring a wreath, or inviting friends to help lay wreaths at veterans’ cemeteries across the United States. This holiday season, Odyssey will once again participate in Wreaths Across America. In addition to sponsoring a wreath for every employee, Odyssey leadership and employees across the country can volunteer on December 14th to lay wreaths on the headstones of our fallen heroes.
When: December 14, 2024
Where: Local Veterans’ Cemeteries (click the Volunteer button to see how where you can participate).
Odyssey’s Joseph Rice is an annual participant in RUCK4HIT, a Heroes in Transition (HIT) event. The Ruck is a challenging adventure / endurance course with participants rucking through every town on Cape Cod, covering 200+ miles over 36 hours. Heroes in Transition was founded in memory of Capt. Eric A. Jones, a Marine helicopter pilot who lost his life while supporting a combat mission in Afghanistan. The organization carries on Capt. Jones’ mission by assisting veterans, service members, and their families with support not readily available from government agencies.
When: RUCK4HIT takes place April 25-26, 2025 (Donations Portal is open now)
Where: RUCK4HIT is being held in Falmouth, MA
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Regional Advocacy Field Team provides a unique opportunity for animal advocates to take action in their communities by supporting the passage of effective animal protection laws.
When: Anytime
Where: Remote
Tell Us What You Think!
Have an upcoming volunteer event you are interested in supporting and would like to request OdysseyCares support? Interested in knowing if there are other Odyssey employees who would like to attend and support as well? Whether it’s to support a national organization or a cause in your community, we’d love to hear more about it.
Please click here or email us at odysseycares@odysseyconsult.com.
OdysseyCares Leadership Committee
Stefania Dobre
Executive Director, Life Sciences
Chair, OdysseyCares Committee
National Capitol Region
Hello everyone! I have been extremely passionate about animal welfare from an early age and spent a lot of time caring and rehabilitating companion animals and wildlife. I currently volunteer with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), The Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS), and Defenders of Wildlife. During the early part of my career, I studied the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and learned about the impact animals can have on the wellbeing of military members suffering with this unfortunate illness. My lifelong dream is to start a nonprofit animal sanctuary that provides jobs to our veterans and their families and allows a safe and caring space to heal. I am extremely excited about Odyssey’s commitment to helping our communities and welcome all to participate in our future volunteer opportunities!
Eliza”Beth” Savard
Senior Program Office Business Process Support
Commitee Co-Chair
Hanscom AFB
My main passion for volunteering and giving of my time is working with veterans. I come from a military family to include my father and son and work daily with the USAF and feel it is a way for me to honor them throughout their life. Not just while on active duty, but afterwards as well. I am currently the Vice President of our local American Legion Auxiliary. I volunteer at the Tilton and Manchester, NH Veterans Home, and I have raised funds and participated in six Susan G. Koman 3-Day walks. I have most recently worked on fundraising for a service dog organization that places dogs with veterans suffering from PTSD, medical alert, and response dogs.
Kate Copley
Director of Talent Acquisition
Dayton, OH
Hello, everyone! I am located at our regional office in Dayton, OH (WPAFB). Raised in a multi-generational military family, I’ve actively supported Veteran initiatives, where I work to honor and assist those who have served our country. I have supported several organizations, including Team RWB, Adopt-A-Platoon, Fisher House, and the Dayton VA Medical Center. I am also passionate about organizations that pair Veterans and animals to aid in their path toward healing. I am very excited to be a part of this committee and look forward to seeing everyone at one of our upcoming volunteer events!
Laurie Freise
Lead Pricing Analyst, Proposals Team
Washington State
Hi, I am located in Washington state, where volunteer opportunities are never-ending. I have always been passionate about volunteering but found that my schedule didn’t allow me to volunteer as much as I wanted. However, within the last 1-2 years, I’ve been able to increase my volunteering activity and I now volunteer at a hospital in the Pharmacy department at a low-income housing organization, and at a local thrift store that hires people looking to gain job skills post-incarceration. Volunteering gives me a greater sense of purpose and knowing that I am helping others’ lives to be even slightly better is the ultimate form of satisfaction. I’m looking forward to working on the new OdysseyCares committee to continue helping change lives!
Max Grindstaff
Senior PM, Engagements Team—C3BM
Detroit, MI
I’m a retired AF guy with a career of helping in local communities in which I’ve been stationed (disaster relief, coaching youth sports and all veteran issues). I have a special passion for helping wounded warriors and those struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Mental Health issues.
Jessica Montana
Technical / Proposal Writer
Maryland
I’m a community advocate currently serving on the Ft. Meade AUSA board and as a volunteer for the BARCS animal shelter. Since 2018, I’ve served numerous organizations, including AFCEA, AOC, and Night Owl Reconnaissance. In 2022, I was recognized by the Harford County, Maryland, Office of the County Executive and City Council of Harford County, Maryland, and I95 Business Baltimore magazine as an Athena finalist for serving as a woman-leader in the community.
James A. Ochoa
Foreign Military Sales Operations Manager
Hill AFB, UT
Since my active-duty days in the Air Force, I have always sought out ways to give back to Airmen and to provide services for the community. With OdysseyCares, I hope to continue my service to others by advocating for veteran programs and programs within our communities with a team of likeminded folks from the Odyssey family.
Jaime Socotch
Portfolio Integrator, Space and Missile Defense
Colorado Springs, CO
I enjoy helping, no matter the cause! When I was living in Columbus, Ohio, I frequently volunteered at the Salvation Army Food Pantry, facilitating client food pickup. I also contributed as a member of the Street Outreach Team, providing personal care items and support to those affected by human trafficking. Since moving to Colorado, I have fostered dogs and cats with several local organizations, help run a yearly online auction for Wild Blue Cats sanctuary, and I donate to Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado.
Dennis Tyson
Acquisition Program Manager, C5ISR (ePASS Kessel Run)
Massachusetts
I’m passionate about serving those in need of food, shelter, and basic necessities. I also have an active interest in preserving and promoting areas for outdoor enthusiasts. I currently volunteer at the West Chatham Food Pantry and at Habitat for Humanity. In the past, I’ve volunteered at Wheels for Hope and Toys for Tots.
Liz Ward
Senior Manager, Total Rewards
Wakefield, MA
Hi all, I am excited to be a member of the OdysseyCares committee as giving back to those less fortunate has always been close to my heart. Over the years I have volunteered with disabled children, donated my time at local soup kitchens, and given time painting elementary schools in the city of Manchester, NH to help get them ready for students the following year. I have been a part of many groups with prior employers who would donate their time to different organizations as well. I am extremely honored to be a part of this new group here as Odyssey take the first official steps towards giving back to our communities.
Lanie White
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
Colorado Springs, CO
Hello! I am currently an active volunteer in the HR community, serving on the board for CSSHRM and co-organizing the annual event for DisruptHR Colorado Springs. Additionally, I am passionate about supporting those in need, specifically children, senior citizens, and animal welfare, through various philanthropic efforts. I am excited to join this committee and contribute to our collective mission!
Are you interested in participating in OdysseyCares?
Please click here or email us at odysseycares@odysseyconsult.com.