The Armed Forces Service Center has been at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, since November 1970. Founded by Mrs. Maggie Purdum as a 501©(3) nonprofit, 8 months after her son Scott died in a plane crash in Vietnam, with no USO affiliation.

For traveling active duty military, Purple Heart recipients, and Department of Defense ID card holders (includes dependents, retirees in 100% DAV).

The AFSC is located inside security at the MSP Terminal 1, with free food, beverages, a TV lounge, computer, printer, CAC reader, luggage storage, dining room, playroom, separate bunk rooms for men and women with a crib, three bathrooms, lactation station and a shower.

Pre-pandemic the AFSC was open 24/7, since 1970. Currently, the daily hours of operation are 8:00 AM-10:45 PM. The lobby is available 24 hours a day for traveling military, dependents, retirees, and veterans. Free refreshments are available during hours of operation.

Over 1 million military guests assisted to date. In addition to the Center volunteers, we have a group of volunteers that double as Troop Greeters. Post 9/11, they have assisted over 500 military charter flights, deploying/returning troops, wounded military, and the arrival of fallen military at MSP. We also support the weekly departure of recruits joining the military, Twin Cities Honor Flight, SnowBall Express, and the annual arrival of training troops and military on Holiday Leave.

The Troop Greeter Program was created in October 2006 after we received a satellite call from a Marine LT in Iraq, requesting support for over 300 troops returning to HI. MSP was their first touchdown on American Soil.

 

The Armed Forces Service Center needs support from all of us, as thousands travel through our airport from and to anywhere in the US and Overseas. So monetary donations are needed to support our Service Center, as our Units prepare their budgets, please add the AFSC as a line item each year. When sending donation checks to the Department office please earmark in the memo line for the Armed Forces Service Center.

When the Center needs nonperishable items and snacks, I will put a list in the Unit mailing, and I will get them delivered to the Center.

Thank you for supporting the Armed Forces Service Center.