USO — Local services in Paradise

I have been a disabled veteran for 14 years. In those 14 years I have traveled multiple times per year and many of those times have stopped into the USO at numerous different airports around the country for layovers and such. Today was my first time I have EVER been denied access to a USO in the 14 years I have been a veteran. I have donated my money and time as well to the USO to pay back the thanks I have for the hospitality they usually give. Unfortunately the lady and gentleman working this morning 2/1/18 at around 7am were not the most friendly and I would even go as far as to say a bit rude and condescending. Unfortunately I have to wait for my luggage (that didn’t make it on my plane) to arrive on a flight that will take a few hours and now I find myself “squading” in the Las Vegas airport where usually I would feel comfortable knowing I have the support of an organization I have grown to love and a comfortable place to sit and relax with fellow military personnel. I have lost a little faith in the USO today and after a call to the USO administration I found out it’s unfortunately because of how one center director chooses to run his/her center. That’s unfortunate to lose volunteers and donations for an entire organization because of one bad apple... I will be finding an organization who feels all military personnel equally matter, to support from now...

I am a retired Army Veteran. I have been to this USO at least a dozen times over the past two years, every time I visit, I sign in at the desk. Today, I have a three hour layover and just wanted a nice quite place to sit where I can let my guard down a bit as opposed to being in the crowded hallways of the airport. As most people in the retired community know, our IDs are also our medical insurance cards for our children. My wife needed my ID to take my baby daughter to the doctor so I had her text me pictures of my ID for entry. The gentleman at the USO refused to look in the system for all the times I've checked in before and he would not accept pictures of my ID from my wife as proof to enter.

I typically don't care about what people think or say about my time in the service or any of that, I am a combat wounded CIB/Purple Heart recipient that was retired due to injuries incurred in combat... I have nothing to prove to anyone and I don't expect anything from anyone. I say this to say that being so harshly snubbed by someone that is supose to be my brother in arms (the gentleman was wearing a CIB/Purple Heart jacket) was pretty hurtful. All I wanted was a nice quite place to sit and instead all I get is shut down from some elderly, badge protecting, blue falcon.

Moral of the story is, if you want to gain entry, you better have your ID on you. You don't want to be...

This is located at the Las Vegas Airport aka (McCarran International Airport). There are two: one is located in Terminal 1 (near A&B gates) and the other is located in Terminal 3. This is one of the nicer USOs I’ve been to. I went to the one in Terminal 1. It’s my first time here. Believe it or not I’m only here in Vegas for the day for an appointment and it happens to be near the airport.

I came here at 0930. My appointment is at 1600 so I’m here basically the entire day. Got a private spot to work and no one bothers you. They have a few amenities they offer and can request.

Services requested/offered Computer/Internet Food/Beverage Rest&Relaxation Movie lounge

The USO have their own bathroom facilities and there are two monitors to check your flights and departures. There is a nice movie lounge towards the back with reclining chairs. Everything they offer in the lounge is free. What more can you ask for? They do accept donations - so don’t forget.

The USO adds great value to the airport and to service members of the Armed Forces and retirees. I believe the USO only has volunteer workers which is so amazing. Which makes donation’s important.

Thank you USO!

Note: As of right now, you have to take a shuttle to get from one terminal to the other (the...