Weary military travelers get touch of home at MSP Airport

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Started in 1970 by a mother who lost her son in Vietnam, the Armed Forces Service Center at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is a place for weary military travelers to rest comfortably during a long lay-over or due to a delayed or canceled flight. 

The center operates like an executive lounge with TV, WiFi, complimentary food, 20 bunks for men, 6 bunks for women, a crib and nursing area.  It is open 365 days a year, seven days a week and relies on donations and volunteers to keep going. 

“It’s an oasis for military personnel as they travel through the airport with families regardless if they are deploying or going off to basic training,” Executive director of the AFSC Debra Cain says.      

The center serves active duty military, Medal of Honor recipients, Purple Heart recipient and their dependents. Also, DOD employees, US Public Health Service personnel and currently serving members of the Allied Nations in travel status.  Military retirees, veterans, relatives and friends traveling with or sending off military personnel are also welcome if space is available. 

“We’ve done a lot of good," Cain says. “We have assisted many people in various circumstances in crisis, those coming home on emergency leave when they get word a loved one is in the hospital and they need to get to them urgently.  We’ve dealt with a lot.”

More information about ASFC can be found here.