USO opens at Phoenix Sky Harbor

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Larry Schneck
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The United Service Organizations has opened a military USO in Terminal Two at Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport July 6.

The new facility replaces the Military and Veterans Hospitality Room located on the mezzanine level which was converted into the USO center.

"Mayor Phil Gordon and the Phoenix City Council set up the Phoenix Military Veterans Commission," said Anne Theodosis, USO Arizona center director. "The nonprofit organization planned the military hospitality room for Sky Harbor."

The USO has a history of helping active-duty military members and their families. The Phoenix site, donated by the city, includes computer stations, a game room and recliners for active-duty transiting through the airport or awaiting flights.

"We have a place to temporarily leave luggage while you're inside the terminals," Ms. Theodosis said. "You can get something to eat as a snack and a cold drink."

The facility is primarily to support active-duty servicemembers and families but will accommodate Guard, Reserve and veterans on a space-available basis depending on the amount of customers.

This doesn't change the fact the USO depends on a large cadre of volunteers, many who are veterans.

"Ninety-five percent of my volunteers are retirees or men and women who have served in the military," Ms. Theodosis said. "We serve active-duty first, then everyone else if we have the space."

Planners on the veterans commission recruited Nora Niles, an Arizona artist, to create a theme for a children's play room. Ms. Niles painted a pirates cove to make the location appeal to young family members.

Significant support for the USO has come from artists like Ms. Niles and companies such as TriWest Healthcare Alliance based in Phoenix.

David McIntyre, TriWest president and chief executive officer, is a member of the world headquarters board of the USO. His company was one of the original contributors to the hospitality room when it opened in May 2006. It has remained a primary sponsor of the USO center.

"We've been involved with supporting USO facilities around the world," said Scott Celley, TriWest vice president external affairs. "We've helped open USOs at Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Riley, Kan.; and a wounded warrior center at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. So, it was very important to us to support it in our home town."

The veterans commission was able to start the project after a $40,000 donation from Bob Immel, a computer software developer in Arizona.

The long range plans include a move to a permanent location for the USO center in Terminal Four near the international wing by the fall of 2011, according to Ms. Theodosis.