Can you take a guest (non-military) with you when visiting a USO airport center?

2016-06-15T09:29:28-04:00

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?

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-06-15T09:59:24-04:00

As a retiree I have used the USO in airports during layovers. I just do not use their food table and leave that to the troops.

Here is an opinion piece supporting your claim.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140816/discuss/140818867/

USO rules leave disabled veterans shut out

A Long Grove letter to the editor: Having devoted more than five years and 3,000 service hours at USO O'Hare, I know the good that USO's dedicated volunteers do year-round in support of our active duty military and their families. I also know from bitter experience that this good is mitigated by USO of Illinois rules

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jun 15 at 2016 10:53 AM

2016-06-15T10:53:27-04:00

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The USO has a Congressional Charter that is out of step and out of date with today and as such it also allows discrimination against the 2 smallest branches of service, USPHS and NOAA denying them entry into the USO simply because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!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 11:31 AM

2016-06-15T11:31:49-04:00

I have never encountered this. I have entered several USO sites as I traveled.

Are retired person excluded?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 11:39 AM

2016-06-15T11:39:09-04:00

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.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 1:10 PM

2016-06-15T13:10:22-04:00

Yes

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Jun 16 at 2016 10:06 AM

2016-06-16T10:06:39-04:00

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!!

Response by LTC Rebecca Rouse made Jan 3 at 2021 5:06 PM

2021-01-03T17:06:57-05:00

I travel very often and continuously visit the USO at airports. It is completely untru that only active duty can visit these. When you enroll, it asks you your status and you show an i.d. upon admittance. Even mil i.d. card-carrying family members are admitted without service members, as my husband has found. He brought my niece along and I have had a student and a non mil FM along, too.

The one in Orlando is amazing and was excited to welcome us; told us to spread the word and happily permitted my guest.