April 22, 2025
Stationed at key information desks throughout the airport, the mighty team of SEA volunteers are essential members of the Customer Service team at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Have a question? The team in green will make your travel experience at SEA easier, less stressful, and more fun. Some of these superheroes can't get enough, like volunteers Lindsay Johnston and Dan Smith, who also dedicate time to supporting military personnel and their families at the SEA USO Center.
SEA USO Center
The SEA USO Center is one of more than 200 USOs worldwide, and the third busiest in the Western region (after Dallas/Fort Worth and Denver in 2024). The 7,500-square-foot USO Center, tucked away on the Mezzanine level of SEA Airport outside of security, offers a home away from home for military travelers. It serves more than 75,300 traveling service members and their families each year.
Guests have a place to rest, eat, and make positive connections with other military members and volunteers. Amenities at the USO Center include hot and cold food and beverages; secure luggage storage; a bunk room; a large recliner lounge with four big screen televisions; an Internet bar with computers, printer, and fax machines; free WI-FI access; a movie theater; and a separate family room, all free of charge. Volunteers like Johnston and Smith play a vital role, preparing sandwiches and snacks, assisting with check-ins, managing the luggage room, and lending an ear for support.
Learn about Johnston and Smith’s experience supporting both travelers and the traveling military community at SEA.
Lindsay Johnston
Lindsay Johnston spent most of his career flying in and out of SEA as a United Airlines pilot. Years ago, he noticed an airport volunteer in a blue blazer with a clipboard, assisting travelers. He stopped and chatted with the volunteer and the interaction stuck with him. After retiring in 2009, he joined SEA’s volunteer team.
Soon after, Johnston expanded his service to volunteer at the SEA USO Center, a cause close to his heart. A former Air Force pilot at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, he has strong military ties — his son is a retired Army veteran, and his daughter serves in the Coast Guard.
Johnston finds both of his volunteer roles rewarding, as they involve assisting travelers and solving problems. At SEA, he helps travelers navigate the airport and answers questions. Occasionally, he encounters travelers in distress and uses his resources to help.
“For those who have not been to SEA before, the terminal can be a confusing place,” he said. “We provide an important function in helping people find things. I've been in a different airport or country, not knowing where I needed to go or find what I wanted, and a local person took the time to help me with my troubles. I remember how grateful I felt. Now it’s my turn to be the local guy.”
At the USO, Johnston helps military travelers on different journeys, particularly those departing on Air Mobility Command (AMC) charter flights to Japan and Korea. Many are young service members traveling abroad for the first time.
“Many have never been out of their home state before and now they are off to South Korea. They come to us in a daze; they were told to come to the USO and we’d help. It’s an environment for waiting for the next step of the journey.”
He also provides tips and directions for military personnel exploring Seattle during long layovers, providing maps, light rail instructions, and recommendations. Additionally, he created step-by-step directions for those heading to military bases in the Puget Sound area.
“The USO serves an important function around the world,” he said. “It operates without government funding. It’s all donations and volunteer efforts. Volunteers make the USO run. I love the mission and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Dan Smith
As a Navy veteran, Dan Smith always planned to volunteer at the USO after retirement. He even kept a USO brochure in his desk as a reminder. After retiring from Boeing following a 36.5-year career as an engineer, he fulfilled that goal three years ago by joining the SEA USO team. A year later, he became an SEA Airport volunteer.
The two roles are the perfect fit for his aviation and military background, and they complement each other. He assists USO guests with airport navigation while also helping travelers locate the USO and understand its services. “I enjoy helping people,” Smith said. “The airport can feel overwhelming, but volunteers get to know it well and can guide others.”
He helps travelers find amenities like water bottle filling stations, restrooms, concourses, gates, and the SEA Underground train. At the USO, he ensures guests feel comfortable and well cared for.
“Volunteering is fun,” he said. “When you retire, you lose your workplace network. Volunteering helps you build new connections with fellow volunteers and the people you assist.”
Join the SEA or USO volunteer team
With more people traveling through SEA than ever, the SEA Volunteer program always needs new volunteers. Would you like to become an ambassador for the airport and the Puget Sound region? SEA volunteers assist travelers with directions, rideshare information, gate locations, dining suggestions, and tourist recommendations.
USO centers worldwide rely on dedicated volunteers like Johnston and Smith. Other than two paid staff members, the SEA USO is entirely volunteer run. No military affiliation is required to join.
