Posted on Jun 15, 2016
Can you take a guest (non-military) with you when visiting a USO airport center?
59.4K
35
17
10
10
0
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
8
8
0
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The USO has a Congressional Charter that is out of step and out of date with today and as such it also allows discrimination against the 2 smallest branches of service, USPHS and NOAA denying them entry into the USO simply because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The USO has a Congressional Charter that is out of step and out of date with today and as such it also allows discrimination against the 2 smallest branches of service, USPHS and NOAA denying them entry into the USO simply because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!
(8)
(0)
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.
(1)
(0)
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.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
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.
(2)
(0)
1
1
0
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!!
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
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.
The one in Orlando is amazing and was excited to welcome us; told us to spread the word and happily permitted my guest.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
I have never encountered this. I have entered several USO sites as I traveled.
Are retired person excluded?
Are retired person excluded?
(0)
(0)
LTC Yinon Weiss
Only currently serving military members are supposed to be able to enter. However, the folks behind the desk may decide to do otherwise. I'm not sure about retirees.
(0)
(0)
CWO2 John Markiewicz
The Jacksonville Florida airport USO allowed me to enter after showing an ID, they indicated so long as it was not crowded with active duty (it is very small) they try to accommodate veterans and retirees. While I was there they also admitted a young lady traveling with children on way to meet her active duty husband. I was waiting for a visitor to arrive when my cell phone went dead and I did not have my charger with me, they were able to find a charger and loaned it to me so I could recharge my phone. I found they were very accommodating and willing to go out of their way to help if possible regardless of active duty status.
(4)
(0)
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
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/
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
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google