USO Center JFK International Airport — Local services in New York

I visited this USO while connecting for my flight to Europe. Upon entering I presented my drivers license that indicates that I am a veteran and asked if I could show my digital retirement card as my wallet was stolen 2 weeks prior and I did not have the physical card. Marco Maria who was behind the desk told me that the lounge was for active duty only. I told him that I had visited other USOs and that retirees are indeed welcomed. I looked around and saw that there was plenty of room and again asked if I could enter. Marco took my ID and said go ahead reluctantly. I couldn't understand what the issue was as I was dressed appropriately and presented my ID so I asked "why didn't you want to let me in" politely to which he responded that it's for active duty only again. I then walked to the rear lounge that only had one person inside whom was sleeping. I sat down and took out my laptop to do some homework and went to get a cup of coffee. Marco watched me get the coffee and waited approximately 5 minutes. He then came to the back area and loudly told me that no food or drinks were allowed and that I had to leave. I was STUNNED. He told me if I didnt leave he was calling security. I told him that was fine and that I would wait for security. JFK security arrived and I explained what happed. He then told the officer that I didnt have proper ID so I showed the officer my digital card and my ID. The officer pulled Marco aside asked him what I had done because I wasn't being a disturbance to which he responded that it was his discretion as to who is allowed in and he wanted me out. I was the ONLY black person in the room. The officer came back to me and apologized, he said that he believed the guy was having a bad day but because a sign said space available at discretion of the attendant that I had to leave. I left trembling an in complete disbelief. Once outside the officer told me that I should report this because it was not right and apologized again. I am a retired disabled veteran and I never would have believed that I would experience something like this at a USO. My flight is 5 hours away and I am still trying to process what this man did to me. I will contact the NY congress...

I have never had any issues at any USO in my entire career until coming here. For the most part, every other volunteer whom I have encountered here has been fine but there was one particular elderly Caucasian lady who was exceedingly rude, forceful, abusive and who treated guests as if the USO belonged to her. Never in my life have I seen such poor treatment of military personnel and it was quite shocking that someone like that would even bother choosing to be there. It really makes me wonder what the screening process for volunteers is like? Obviously I will avoid this location...

Susan was terrific and accommodating. Good to see a friendly face at an airport where smiling faces are generally absent.

This USO lounge is a welcomed oasis in an airport and city that are generally unpleasant.

This lounge is small, basic, and has limited hours. No bathrooms, no showers.

Its existence is good given how this airport and city are generally NOT military friendly.

Follow service members and DTS approvers, please do consider avoiding JFK or any of the other NYC-area airports... for the sake of our comfort and...