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Youngstown cuts ribbon on new USO lounge

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bob Barko, Jr.
  • 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio --  

The Air Force Reserve’s 910th Airlift Wing and the USO of Northern Ohio hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new USO Lounge here April 11.

 

The USO Lounge at YARS is the first on an Air Reserve Station in the continental United States. The facility was initially envisioned by the 910th AW leadership to support servicemembers who, for personal, financial, medical, or religious reasons, wanted an alcohol-free alternative to the installation’s all services club.

 

The lounge features a non-alcoholic atmosphere and provides ping pong, air hockey, gaming consoles, computers stations, a big-screen TV viewing area, high-top tables for snacking or table games and a brand-name gourmet coffee bar. The facility will be staffed by volunteers from the community and YARS military members during hours of operation over Unit Training Assembly.

The lounge will be open 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays as well as noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays.

 

“Creating an alternative activity area for these servicemembers is important to maintain morale, readiness, and camaraderie,” said Bruce Bille, YARS USO Support Office director.

 

The wing’s senior enlisted member also commented to the near-capacity crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony on the end result of a shared vision for the creation of the facility.

 

“What an amazing end result it is when an idea is placed in the hands of caring and generous people,” said Chief Master Sgt. Steven Larwood, 910th Airlift Wing command chief. “This came out of concern for our youngest Airmen… (We asked) what do we have them do (after duty hours) on a drill weekend that is safe and motivational and let them grow.”

 

A wing junior enlisted member, representing the group whose needs inspired the project, was impressed by what the facility had to offer.

 

“It’s a place to get away after the duty day,” said Senior Airman Lauren Porter, a cargo handling specialist assigned to the wing’s 76th Aerial Port Squadron. “I think I’ll be here a lot.”

 

Bille said the USO of Northern Ohio took the lead from the wing’s vision, with support from the local community, and championed the project of transforming YARS Building 201 into this alternative activity area. He added many wing personnel volunteered their personal time to assist the USO’s demanding project requirements, helping to complete the lounge in an accelerated timeframe.

 

“This vision has been realized only because of the financial and material support from the local community organizations and businesses, the selfless efforts of many volunteers as well as coordination and cooperation of the skilled contractors at YARS,” Bille added.

 

The former head coach of both the Ohio State University and Youngstown State University football teams was invited to say a few words on behalf of the local community at the ribbon cutting ceremony as if to confirm Bille’s statement.

 

“Every time I’m around men and women who serve and the people who care about those men and women who serve, we get so inspired and so excited,” said Youngstown State University President James Tressel.

           

Col. James Dignan, 910th AW commander echoed the sentiments of Bille and the YSU president about the community’s efforts to aid in completing the project.

 

“People in this community care (about the military) and this (USO Lounge) is part of that,” said Dignan.