[Off-topic quotes and text edited by Moderator.]
Originally Posted by
BuckleandBoots
USO facilities vary greatly, but the volunteers are consistently awesome!
Normally they have some food, nothing fancy and mostly prepackaged chips and candy bars. There is no alcohol, but normally a tv and a quiet area.
A few years ago I know that a few regular airport lounges would welcome in military members with orders showing that they were on R&R from a war zone. I think that was a great gesture on the part of the airlines (Aa and Delta come to mind).
In case folks aren't aware, the USO is a non-governmental non-profit organization. As such, they are dependent upon the relative interest of the local airport authorities in terms of whether or not they are even welcome at an airport down to the real estate that the airport authority is willing to allocate for a USA lounge. Some welcome the USO with open arms and checkbook and some flip the USO off. Some lounges are airside and some are landside (like Dulles).
Most are located in large hubs, especially those airports with a lot of military travel. Other than the real estate donated by the airport along with any other in-kind contributions from their hosts, the USO relies on corporate and private donations. Even if you've never worn a uniform, I will shamelessly suggest that they welcome anyone's contributions in the donation box by the entrances.
Originally Posted by
Gamecock
While one can never know someone else's motivations, I think it is just gratitude. Most volunteers are in their 40s and 50s and most military are much younger. Granted retirees are allowed in. It seems in CLT most of the volunteers are men.
Some of us are approaching 60 or beyond.
It's all about giving back and trying to help someone return from a war zone with physical injuries we can see, mental injuries we can't see, and helping young families make the biggest move of their lives.