Posted on Jun 15, 2016
Can you take a guest (non-military) with you when visiting a USO airport center?
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Many people are surprised to know that veterans are not supposed to be admitted to USO centers, as the USO is intended only for current service members. Does anybody know if a current service member goes to a USO center, can he bring a (non-family) civilian guest with them, assuming they are traveling together?
USO
Travel
Airports
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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You can bring a guest in IF you meet the criteria to be inside the USO yourself. I have brought many a guest in, but myself always active duty or reservist. And yes, Vets unfortunately cannot enter, interesting!
The USO has a Congressional Charter that is out of step and out of date with today and as such it also allows discrimination against the 2 smallest branches of service, USPHS and NOAA denying them entry into the USO simply because of the language within the charter; "armed forces " vs uniformed services. Doesn't matter that the PHS deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and denied entry into the USO upon their return to CONUS. So much for United Service Organization (USO), maybe not so united!
The USO has a Congressional Charter that is out of step and out of date with today and as such it also allows discrimination against the 2 smallest branches of service, USPHS and NOAA denying them entry into the USO simply because of the language within the charter; "armed forces " vs uniformed services. Doesn't matter that the PHS deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and denied entry into the USO upon their return to CONUS. So much for United Service Organization (USO), maybe not so united!
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SCPO Fred Crowder
Being able to bring in a non dependent guests is up to the individual USO Center. It is not always possible due to the size of the center and capacity of the center especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the center, I volunteer in, we allow civilian guests BUT the sponsor must be present and we inform the sponsor and guest that active duty has priority. If the center max capacity is reached, then the civilian guest will be asked to leave.
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CDR Terry Boles
Yes, vet as non-retiree cannot enter by themselves on the primary status of being a veteran. There are a lot of veteran benefits in society yet some are restrictive. Good question.
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Yes. While waiting for my mother's flight to get in (it was delayed a few hours) I took my daughter to the USO with me. She loved the donuts, juice, and computer use. I just had to show my ID and sign in. I also always leave whatever cash I can spare in the jar.
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I have been in the USO in our airport. As a Blue Star Mother. They welcomed me in and then found out I was a veteran. I didn't avail myself of the food either. I wanted it to go to someone stuck by delayed flights or weather. I just wanted to see what was there while I was waiting for my flight out. The BSM donate food and games to the USO all the time. Turns out the USO facility used to be Delta Airlines executive lounge before Delta moved to another airport. They left all the furniture and amenities behind. So, if you're ever coming through Denver's DIA, check out the USO facility. It's very nice and welcoming!!
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