USO Volunteers Celebrate 60th Wedding Anniversary at Tampa International Airport USO Center

USO volunteers play a critical role in strengthening America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation.

Two of these dedicated volunteers are Jay and Linda Dillinger, who recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary while working their volunteer shift at the Tampa International Airport USO center, Aug. 4, 2023.

The Dillingers, met at a college freshman mixer while they were both attending Capital City University, in Columbus Ohio in 1958. A few years later, the young couple marred at Niagara Falls, Ny., in 1963 and set off on wonderful journey together.

Jay and Linda are no strangers to the military lifestyle. Jay served in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years, and retired as a Colonel. The couple have moved all over the world with their two sons, and were stationed in Japan and Germany together.

“We truly enjoy volunteering, it allows us to stay connected with the military, and being able to volunteer together is such a joy,” said Linda.

Jay and Linda have been volunteering for over 11 years at the Tampa airport USO center, ever since it first opened in 2012. Their 16-year-old grandson, Davis Dillinger, is also a volunteer, and often spends his Thursday afternoon’s during the summer helping at the USO center.

“Davis has always had an interest in volunteering and wants to serve in a meaningful way like supporting the troops,” said Linda. “Volunteering at the USO combines all of the above and lets Davis spend quality time with his grandparents.”