When the duty to volunteer calls, there are some things Herb Schmeling is never caught without: a blanket and a cot.

While conducting deployment briefings on what the United Service Organization offers to troops and handing out bags filled with goodies, the 61-year-old retired command sergeant major is often prepared for anything.

That includes pulling an all-nighter if he sees fit.

If there are any delays when it comes to troops leaving the USO Center on JBLM-McChord Field to deploy, Schmeling can grab some shuteye and make sure the different waves of troops get what they need - even if the schedule gets backed up.

"There are times when planes break down," he said. "I just go sleep for a couple of hours until the next wave of troops come through. I would feel guilty if I wasn't there."

During one instance, he stayed at the center for a little more than two days.

For his dedication, Schmeling was recently named the USO's the Stateside Volunteer of the Quarter.

"When you perform selfless service and get acknowledged like this, it gives me the energy to do that much more," he said. "They inspire me to keep doing what I do."

As one of the center's most committed volunteers, Schmeling regularly gives between 20 to 60 hours a month, highlighted by a 91-hour effort in October 2009.

He represents USO Puget Sound Area at Combined Federal Campaign events and Family Deployment Fairs, making sure the Army community is aware of USO PSA's programs and services.

"He's my voice of (JBLM-Main)," said Tracye Kakely, McChord USO Center manager.

"He does deployment briefs, he lets soldiers know about what the USO offers. He's invaluable. I don't know what I would do without him."

Schmeling has volunteered for the USOPSA since 2007 and built an affinity for speaking at deployment briefings and handing out Girl Scout Cookies, as well as other USO goodie bags.

"They call me ‘The Cookie Man,'" Schmeling said with a laugh.

He's also passionate about spreading the word about the USO programs, such as "United Through Reading," which gives troops a chance to read a book to their children while being recorded. The DVD is later sent home to the troops' children while the parent is deployed.

"I've already had several people come in to read it before they deploy," Kakely said.

While USO officials are grateful for Schmeling's contributions, the 61-year-old said he's the one that gives thanks.

"The bottom line is I think the world of the USO," he said. "It's a way for old retired guys like me to keep taking care of military members and their families."