The strain of traveling can take its toll on anyone, but especially on our service members and their families. Why are USO airport lounges so important? Many of these lounges are strategically situated at airports where new recruits leave or arrive for boot camp or deployments so that service members and their families have plenty of support from USO volunteers as they take the next step in their journey in service. Of the USO’s more than 230 locations around the world, more than 50 of these are USO airport lounges, which can be found at several major and local airports across the United States and abroad. Photo credit Dottie White Where in the world can you find a USO airport lounge? In the past, they have helped stranded service members find a way home, offered to keep a location open past typical hours or simply helped entertain children so a military spouse could get a moment to herself to rest. In times of extreme weather or family emergencies, USO airport lounge volunteers and staff often go above and beyond to help the USO visitors. Military family members passing through airports should do a quick internet search before they arrive to see the specific operating hours and amenities offered by the USO location they are intending to visit. Most locations, which are typically staffed by friendly and helpful volunteers, feature televisions, video game systems and free Wi-Fi so visitors can use their own devices to check in with loved ones back home.Īdditionally, some centers are open for specific hours each day, while other locations are open 24/7, 365 days of the year. At these lounges, which can be located before or after TSA security checkpoints, service members can find everything from free snacks and coffee to a comfy chair to take a quick nap. USO airport lounges are made to provide comfort to the military community on their journeys, no matter where they’re going. What services do USO airport lounges provide? USO volunteers at a USO location serve free tacos to service members. Armed Forces active duty, Reserve and Guard service members, as well as their families. Armed Forces, as well as their families, and millions of veterans and their families, too.Īs much as the USO would like to open its doors to retirees, disabled veterans and all those who have honorably served, as a nonprofit organization, the USO must focus its efforts on serving the needs of those who need us most: U.S. Our USO airport lounges and the volunteers that work in those locations cannot properly support today’s U.S. However, as a nonprofit, the USO has limited space and resources. Census data shows that there are currently 18.2 million veterans in the United States, and the USO is incredibly grateful for their service to our nation. Many brave Americans have served in our Armed Forces. We are one of the largest organizations dedicated to supporting the active duty Armed Forces community, rather than veterans. Since 1941, the USO - a charity organization - has served the active duty service members of our country’s Armed Forces, as well as their spouses and families, who are stationed around the world. We’re here to break down the who, what and where of USO airport lounges and why they’re so important for our military service members. Walking through the airport, you might see the USO logo on a door to a private lounge and think – what is that? What is the USO and what is it doing here? Who can use a USO lounge? And are those doughnuts free?
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