USO — Local services in Cayce

I was taken back by the way that this Lounge handles the retirees. I retired in 1994 ( I just turned 70). I have been to several airport USOs in the past. I went into the USO at the Columbia airport on 31Jul24. I helped myself to a "lunchable" and a Sprite and proceeded to sit down at the bar by the window so that I would not take up an entire table. I was talking on the phone to my brother as I was just coming back from a family member's funeral. While I was on the phone, a gentlemen came in to ask me if I had signed in and told me that I could not sit there. I've never had anyone try to disrupt a phone conversation like that before. I ended the phone call abruptly with my brother and proceeded to go to the lobby area to sign in. Of course this is all new to me. I did not see any signs telling me to go sign in there first nor did I see any signs telling me that retirees could not sit inside the USO lounge area. I filled out the questionnaire on the electronic tablet. It asked the question How Do I Identify - active duty or retired. I told the gentleman that I "identify" as Active duty. That way I could go back inside and finish my lunchable in the Lounge. He did not like my answer. He said that they were saving the seating for active duty. I could understand if I was taking up someone's seat. However, there were only a handful of active duty in the room..........A couple hours later, I arrived at the Pensacola Florida airport and proceeded to the USO Lounge awaiting the arrival of my husband that had to drive over 1 1/2 hours away to come get me. I checked into their lounge. She was very gracious to me and told me to help myself and also told me that I could go into the lounge area with the lounge chairs...

I had so many delays the same day I was leaving, I ended up stopping at USO and rest. I am so grateful for their team, they were very helpful and stayed on top of everything. I couldn’t remember their names but I want to thank the lady who was wearing green that day and her name tag was “Executive Director”. She kept checking up on me even tho there were over hundreds of new soldiers they received to catch their flight and she still managed to treat me with so much respect and service even tho I’m just a spouse. I’m deeply grateful for all of them. As I sat there observing the environment I was very sad how these young soldiers complete basic training and should have respect as they respected their BCT leaders should be everywhere. When the older men who was volunteering for USO was instructing them what and how, they did what they want anyway, he politely asked some of them to clear the way of their bags so other airport guests at check in area can get through and they gave him attitude and completely ignored him. I told them that some of these workers are volunteers, they do not get paid to be here but they are here serving us military dependents and service members and we should have the same respect. I’m part of SFRG and we serve you soldiers and your families to the best we can just like they do. I hope in the future of all these upcoming departure they brief them to still follow rules anywhere they go. Again to the team who handled over hundreds of soldiers and still made time to check on me on 10/10/24 thank you so much for all that you do for our soldiers and...

The airport and USO are well-maintained and super clean to include the bathrooms. Everyone is very friendly here. A USO information desk is at the center of the lobby for check-in before entering the lounge. The USO lounge has a computer lab and phone to make calls and browse the internet if you don't have a laptop or smartphone. The lounge has a few tables for individuals to work or use their laptops, or you can sit at the bar to charge your devices and enjoy your nonalcoholic beverages and snacks. Starbucks coffee is served, and energy drinks are available. There is a kitchen. The volunteers will make you a fresh sandwich upon request. Under the stairway by the luggage claim has an...