Open for Business: USO Alaska Opens Second Center on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

After much anticipation, the USO proudly opened a new center on the Fort Richardson side of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) on August 21. Military and local business leaders joined USO representatives for a ribbon cutting ceremony, tours of the facility and light refreshments provided by AAFES and First Command.

Designed to support service members housed on the Army side of the installation, the new facility is a comfortable and relaxing place for the local military community to take a break from their daily grind. Patrons can take advantage of free Wi-Fi and televisions with streaming services as well as CAC-accessible computers and printing capabilities. There is also a microwave to heat up food for those who choose to visit during chow times as well as snacks and drinks for downtimes with plenty of seating areas.

Focusing on providing a place for patrons to destress and recharge, the center offers something for everyone. Gaming options, both video and tabletop, are available for a little friendly competition. A special throwback arcade game welcomes challengers as well. Service members and spouses can take their turn enjoying a little peace and quiet in the Relaxation Room, with recliners and an electronic fireplace perfect for the colder Alaska winters. Cosmetic renovations were completed to give the space a refreshed look with new furniture donated by Kendall Auto Group, a longtime supporter of USO Alaska. The exterior also received a little love with new landscaping courtesy of Lowe’s, who provided the mulch, and the green thumb of several volunteers.

The USO has been grateful to provide services and amenities to the JBER military community since 2016 at the original Center located on the Elmendorf Air Base side. At this center, service members and their families have enjoyed the fitness center and many programs designed for anyone in mind: Coffee Connections for spouses, visits with certified therapy dogs as part of the Canine Program, Youth programming and more. This same lineup of programming, as well as other events, will now also be offered at USO Fort Richardson.

This second location is a collaboration between USO Alaska and Fort Richardson military leadership. Due to the size of JBER, the two Centers are nine miles apart. This distance made it harder for service members on one side to take advantage of the facility on the other side. After many years of discussions, the project finally came to life as a focus to assist with emotional and mental health amongst service members. Though still in the United States, Alaska’s distance from the lower 48 [states], takes many service members far from home. Combined with the severely cold and dark winters, mental health can be a struggle for the military community stationed in the area. With these challenges in mind, there was an intense focus to locate, refresh and open a Center close to housing, Army barracks, schools and more.

Are you in the JBER area? Come by one of the two centers and check out the space or join us for an upcoming program and event.