JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
With its opening on Monday, the Joint Base Andrews United Service Organization office was established at the passenger terminal providing a wide array of services and items.
"We have a variety of snacks and beverages, wireless internet, desktop computers with printing capability, a phone that makes free calls nationally or internationally, copy and fax services, free books and magazines, shower and towel sign out and toiletry items," said Shauna Van Buren, director of the USO office at the PAX terminal and the director of special projects and airport services at the USO of Metropolitan Washington.
With its start dating back to before World War II, the USO calls itself "the bridge between the American people and our men and women in uniform conveying the heartfelt appreciation and support of a grateful nation."
"Our purpose as an office and as an organization is to serve those who serve as well as their families," said Ms. Van Buren. "We do this by providing assistance and hospitality to military travelers in the National Capital Region with a friendly face and a helpful attitude."
Since the organization's start in 1941, USO centers have successfully provided Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Sailors and Soldiers with a "home away from home."
"At Joint Base Andrews, the USO office will be able to help Airmen as they travel," said Hazel Stevens, USO volunteer here for more than 15 years. "Everyone looks for a USO wherever they go. For the past 15 years we have had a desk; expanding to a lounge will allow us to better serve our guests."
Historically, USO offices have served guests in a number of ways, in a number of different types of locations. "Camp Shows" brought theatrical entertainment even from famous actors of the time. Offices served as a place to dance and meet people, or just as a quiet place to talk or write letters, see movies, find religious counsel and even find a warm meal. When an office space wasn't available, USO locations were set up in places such as churches or log cabins, and ranged further to museums, castles or barns and just about any other structure or avenue to include combat zones.
When the organization spread to be in place for peacetime as well as wartime operations in the 1970s, it was determined to be necessary to keep servicemembers from being isolated from civilian influence.
Today, Joint Base Andrews joins this legacy of honor with the installation's own USO office.
"Whether a passenger needs assistance with travel issues or simply wants a cup of coffee - a USO volunteer will be on duty daily to assist them," said Ms. Van Buren.
For more information about the USO office in the PAX terminal, call 301-981-4686.