USO Missouri — Local services in St. Ann

My wife and I, accompanied by our three children aged four years, two years, and six months old took off on a trip from California to Missouri to visit our family. Our travel itinerary began with a flight from San Jose, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada. This initial leg of our trip involved a 2 1/2-hour layover in Las Vegas. During this layover, at 9:13 PM St. Louis, MO local time, we reached out to the USO at St. Louis Missouri airport. Our aim was to ascertain if the USO would remain operational overnight, as our flight was set to land at 12:40 AM.

In our conversation with the USO staff, we learned that their initial plan did not involve staying open overnight. However, they did possess the staffing resources necessary to keep the facility operational if the need arose. We explained our situation to them: both my wife and I are disabled veterans, and we were in the process of traveling from California to Missouri with our three young children to reunite with family. Given that the car rental service at the airport wouldn't be available until 6 AM, we asked if the USO could accommodate us overnight. The USO staff graciously informed us that they would be more than willing to keep their facility open for us, and they assured us that they would be ready to receive us upon our arrival.

Upon landing at our destination, we were confronted with the task of collecting five suitcases and three car seats, amounting to a total of eight pieces of luggage, all while caring for our three children who were all under the age of four. It's safe to say that the trip to the USO from the airport terminal was quite an ordeal. Finally reaching the USO, the entry process involved presenting our CAC card or retiree card. My husband presented his VA veterans disability card, but unfortunately, it was not accepted by the staff at the second set of doors. I possessed an expired CAC card from my time in active duty, and even that was not considered valid.

Despite the challenges we had already faced, we persisted and made our way to the USO entrance, where our three children, along with our luggage and car seats, were clearly visible. The USO staff inquired if we possessed a valid retiree card or CAC card. I explained that we had called ahead and were informed that the facility would remain open overnight due to our circumstances. However, one of the staff members indicated that this was against their policy and declined our entry. Although the wife of one of the staff members advocated on our behalf, we were ultimately denied access.

We found ourselves outside the USO with our three young children for a duration of four hours. We had to make do with a pack-and-play, a compact sleeping solution for babies, which is smaller than a crib. Under different circumstances, had there been a significant number of active duty service members present and a shortage of staff, we would have understood the limitations. However, it was evident that the USO had the necessary resources and staff, as they had explicitly indicated their willingness to accommodate us based on our earlier phone call. This same information was also provided on their website, which suggested contacting them for overnight accommodations.

I am deeply disappointed by the manner in which we were treated – a combination of rudeness and neglect. This experience was especially disheartening given that both my wife and I are veterans, and further, disabled veterans. It's disconcerting to be turned away by an organization that is meant to provide support and respect, not only for those in uniform but also...

So So SOOO disappointed – So it seems the USO “Does Not Support” veterans especially at the PHX USO. I’ve always been an advocate for the USO and always donated when active duty during the annual Combined Federal Campaign. I drove up from Tucson to take a British airlines flight. I arrived early and the counter wasn’t open yet. I looked to my left and about 10 yards (if that) from the British airlines counter is the USO. I was excited to tell my wife about the support they provide and that it’s the perfect place to relax for about an hour. However, when I got to the USO counter the door attendant stated that “veterans” are not allowed unless they have a boarding pass. So looking around the area there’s about 4 people inside – that I can see. I explained that I’m not able to get a boarding pass because the counter is not open – he can clearly see the airlines counter from the USO. He told me he doesn’t make the rules he just enforces them. Whaaat!! Are we in kindergarten now. I explained that’s not a smart rule if I had a boarding pass, I wouldn’t stop at the USO I would go thru the long TSA line to my gate. My wife pulled on my shirt so we left. I still can’t believe it, 23 years of service… I’ve read other post on veterans being turned away. ...

I was there two months ago and am waiting for my two children to arrive at the airport. We came on a separate vehicles. I have their IDs with me but I only possess a DA civilian CAC card. I asked the ID checker if I can just sit and relax for a few minutes because I drove all the way from FLW and was tired. At first the lady said okay. After about 15-20 minutes and started to fall asleep, she woke me up and practically kicked me out and said that I cannot be there without the ID holders. What happened to the support I'm giving to USO at FLW. What happens to the support I'm giving to the troops and veterans. I remembered one time in front of the commissary there was a big sign that says, please donate to our local USO. I went out the commissary with two bags of all kinds of goodies for the USO. I may not have a military ID but I am authorized to shop anywhere on post because my minor kids live with me. thank you so much for that excellent hospitality you...