USO Alaska Cuts Ribbon to Support Alaska’s Newest Service Members

Military leaders, recruiters, new service members and USO Alaska staff and volunteers celebrated the grand opening of a new USO Alaska dayroom at the Anchorage MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 1.

A photo gallery of the event is available on the @USOJBER Facebook page.

“We are delighted to have the USO joining us to support our applicants and families,” says MEPS Commander MAJ James Gerling, USA. “The new décor and activities make this a warmer environment and a more enjoyable process for them.”

Approximately 5,000 applicants and family members visit the Anchorage MEPS annually. The multi-step application process can take hours, with wait time in between enlistment activities. USO services at the Anchorage MEPS provide activities to help pass the time, to include video games, a newly refurbished pool table, electronic darts, books, magazines, board games and movies. The USO also refurbished a lounge area where applicants wait to meet with respective military branch recruiters. USO Alaska staff and volunteers are also standing by to support special events for MEPS staff and guests.

“Our motto is ‘always by their side;’ so why not start on day one when they take their oath to serve and protect our country?’ says Tara Mogan, USO Alaska Sr. Director. “That’s a big decision, and we want to be sure new service members and their families have peace of mind knowing the USO is available for support, throughout their service to our country, in more than 200 locations worldwide.”

In addition to USO support at the Anchorage MEPS, USO Alaska Centers are open at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson AFB, with a third center planned for Fort Wainwright in late 2017-early 2018. The USO also assigned a dedicated mobile sprinter van to provide USO services and support to military installations throughout Alaska that do not have a USO Center.