I have a long layover in St. Louis. That combined with no Internet access, no breakfast and a a strong aversion to paying 5 bucks for a bagel… could have turned into a few miserable hours in Concourse C.
Ahh but here comes the USO to the rescue. I dragged my bags across the airport and even exited security just to check out the STL USO. It was worth the hike, and the even worth having to go back through security. Now I get to spend a couple hours sitting on a comphy couch, soaking up some free wifi, and enjoying the complimentary canteen. Mmm… free coffee and donuts. I think I’ll get a hot dog soon too. 
This place is nice there are at least eight couches, a huge screen tv, a computer room, a play room, a reading area… a place to check your bags while you rest and even a napping room. A NAPPING ROOM. Not that I’m going to nap, but I could if I wanted to and that thought alone makes me feel more rested.
There are lots of cheerful volunteers, who I now love forever and not just because they gave me coffee.
So. If you’re looking for a way to “support the troops” how about donating your time or money to the USO?
Random USO Updates:
* Cool they have a laptop and cellphone charging station.
I have to comment here. I, too, love the USO. When Jeffrey was an 8 week old baby I took a spontaneous trip (much like you are doing now) to see my in-laws in New Mexico. I flew from Korea to Seattle to Denver to Albuquerque. After the long flight from Korea, I ended up in Seattle struggling with a big suitcase, a baby carrier, and a diaper bag. I found the USO (just as you described it). I was able to eat, nurse the baby in a “napping room,” and I had help with my luggage. I determined then that I would support the USO as much as possible. Cheers to all USO volunteers!! God bless you.
Comment by Patti N — July 3, 2007 @ 10:59 am
Oh…I used to travel a lot for work, and my company was based in St. Louis. I HATE that airport…and I know where the USO is. I used to look at it longingly.
Comment by stayathomemotherdom — July 3, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
I was in the 98th Division out of Rochester. Used to fly between St. Louis and Buffalo, NY. I stayed at the USO, too. Wonderful people who work there! It’s a good place for an overnight stay if you need one and qualify to stay there. Always good to hear good things about it.
Comment by Margaret — July 5, 2007 @ 9:38 am
Cool!
Comment by Laura — July 7, 2007 @ 1:51 pm