USO reopens at Bagram Air Field

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – After undergoing 30 days of reconstruction, the Pat Tillman United Service Organizations center reopened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bagram Air Field June 27. 

With free phone services to the United States, free internet and free food, the USO strives to create a comfortable place for service members to relax after combat operations or awaiting transportation throughout the region, said Anthony L. Young, director of USO Afghanistan.

“Since the doors first opened, the USO has serviced approximately 250,000 visitors, which created an enormous wear on the facility and the need to refurbish the fixtures and electronics,” said Kevin Meade, vice president of marketing and communications for USO Southwest Asia.  

Improvements include: restoring of the exterior of the building, adding an outdoor deck, re-finishing wood, painting, new doors with fixtures, handmade curtains, comfortable leather seating and an outdoor movie theater.
 
The USO center provides service members with upgraded wireless internet, video gaming systems, large-screen televisions, 15 satellite telephones, 12 laptop computers, a library, a café and indoor latrines. All services provided by the USO axis around memorabilia of Pat Tillman, Arizona Cardinals safety and U.S. veteran.

This USO center was dedicated in memory of Tillman, for his dedication to his country as he put his career in the National Football League on hold to join the Army after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. 
 
Tillman was killed April 22, 2004, in eastern Afghanistan during his tour in 2004. The USO was dedicated April 3, 2005, to celebrate and honor him and all service members, who sacrifice so much for this country.

USO has 139 facilities around the world and is making strides to build more in deployed areas. Services that USO provides would not be possible without donations from the U.S. citizens, Department of Defense grants, and the support from the leadership here at Bagram Air Field, Meade said. 

“USO is the way the American public supports the service members.  We will be here by your side until everyone comes home,” he added.