It’s often been said that you can’t put a price tag on your health, or that you can’t put a value on the relationship you have with your family. Following that train of thought, we know for sure that the value of the USS Midway Museum’s volunteers is nothing less than priceless.
“We could never do what we do on Midway without our volunteers,” said Jack Gale, Midway’s director of docents. “The diverse array to talents our volunteers bring to the museum is immeasurable. We would never be as successful as we are without their dedication and passion.”
Let’s put our hands together for our volunteers of the month for the first quarter of 2026.
Dave and Dee Bristol, Knot Team – January 2026
Dave and Dee Bristol joined the Midway knot team in 2014. Over the past 12 years, Dave has amassed more than 3,400 volunteer hours while Dee has logged nearly 2,200 hours. Both possess unparalleled knot-tying skills having mastered all 20 of the knotted items offered by the knot team.
“Their performance has been nothing short of amazing,” said Emory Bishop, founder of the knot team. “Dave and Dee are instrumental in the continued success of collecting donations for the education’s scholarship fund.”
In the last four years they have produced more than 900 dog leashes which has generated more than $32,000 in donation revenue to the Mac Mclaughlin Scholarship Fund. A dog leash takes up to two hours to complete and it’s one of the more complicated items to produce.
Dave and Dee have not only become experts in constructing dog leashes, but they have also actually designed three new styles of dog leashes that have become extremely popular with Midway guests.
Robert Feliciano, Administration, Outreach and Knot Team – February 2026
Few volunteers are as popular and passionate as Robert Feliciano. A volunteer since 2018, Robert shares his talents with the administration office as well as with the outreach and knot teams. However, he’s is always willing to help Midway in any way possible.
Known for his generous spirit, he is always thinking of others. As the receptionist in the administrative office, he is often the very first interaction people have with the museum. His phone conversations with these potential guests are always handled in a warm, positive way that gives a great first impression of Midway.
“Robert has been an invaluable source of support,” said Paulette Mello, Midway’s community outreach coordinator. “He consistently checks in to see where help is needed. Whether for marketing, events, social media, administration or any other department, he is always a tremendous asset to the Midway.”
Those who he works with all say that Robert is a naturally giving person who is always willing to go the extra mile to help.
Laurie Hyde, Docent – March 2026
Laurie Hyde can do it all, and she always does it with a smile and delightful sense of humor. She has become invaluable to the docent team over the last several years through her dedicated support of the docent training team as an assistant class manager. Often referred to as the “Mini Boss,” she provides tremendous administrative support to the multiple docent training classes held every year.
“Her energy and enthusiasm spreads to the volunteers, staff and guests whenever she is on board,” said Jack Gale, Midway’s docent director. “Lending a hand is her byword.”
During her six years as a volunteer, she has also lent her talent to many of the Midway’s other departments, including membership, exhibits and guest services. Most recently she has joined the curatorial team bringing to them her strengths in documentation and research.
Don’t be surprised if you find her helping guide the Midway float in community parades or distributing holiday necklaces to members during the Parade of Lights.
“The combined efforts of our nearly 800 volunteers are why Midway is the number one thing to do in San Diego.”
For those interested in becoming a USS Midway Museum volunteer, more information along with the volunteer application can be found here.
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