A brand new state-of-the-art United Service Organizations (USO) facility is now open at William P. Hobby Airport. One that will make our country’s soldiers feel more comfortable when traveling through Houston.

Due to recent construction at Houston’s second largest airport and the need to accommodate a growing number of military personnel, a decision was made to relocate the USO, and make it bigger and better.

Compared to the previous one-room, 600 square foot facility, the new multiple-room, 1,000 square foot USO lounge offers much more space and amenities for sailors, marines, soldiers and airmen. It is located inside the Central Concourse’s secure area, providing easy access for those on connecting flights.

“We really wanted to put the USO behind the secured checkpoint to make sure it was more convenient for our service men and women as they travel” says Mary Case, Hobby Airport Manager.

Because the old facility was located in the public area, service men and women had to be on their toes in order to make it through security in time to catch their flight. The new facility, located one level below Pappas Burger and Gate 46, will allow soldiers more time to unwind and comes complete with flight information displays.

The Houston community came together to make the home away from home possible. All of its contents, including brand new furniture from Houston’s own Gallery Furniture, were generously donated.

Don Erdy, the Director of the Hobby Airport USO thinks the new facility will make soldiers want to fly through Hobby more often.

“We offer a number of programs and services for military that are traveling,” says Erdy. “Very often they come here to relax and this is kind of a catch up moment for them when they’re here.”

Staff Sergeant Kimberly Lewis, a sixteen-year Army reservist has seen her share of USO’s and agrees the facility at Hobby is one of the better ones available.