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Airport USO serves veterans and their families traveling through Denver

By Julie Filby

To support the growing U.S. military, several organizations—including Christian and Jewish groups—mobilized to form the United Service Organizations (USO) in 1941.

Initially set up to provide emotional support and build morale, over time the USO has developed programs and services to meet the changing needs of troops. Locally there is a USO at the Denver International Airport that serves active duty and retired military personnel and their families when traveling through the Mile High City.

The Rocky Mountain USO at DIA offers respite and hospitality at a lounge on Concourse A with televisions, a library, computers, video games, child-care area, snacks and toiletries. Ron McHenry, 75, an Air Force veteran and member of Knights of Columbus Council 14688 at Buckley Air Force Base and past state deputy (1995-1997), volunteers there.

“I’ve met people coming and going all over the world,” said McHenry, who served in the Air Force from 1954-1975, working on equipment including B-47 Bombers.

He has been volunteering at the USO since shortly after it opened in Nov. 2005. There are currently 235 volunteers, according to manager Hedy Margolis, and a waiting list of others interested. According to McHenry the majority of volunteers are veterans, veterans’ spouses and others associated with the military.

There are also three employees on staff, one full-time and two part-time.

After guests check in, a volunteer shows them around and offers refreshments.

“When they come in, there’s no charge for anything,” McHenry explained. “Every-thing is free for military.”

On an average day the Rocky Mountain USO sees 200 to 300 visitors. In October they hosted 7,010 guests.

McHenry enjoys the variety that comes with volunteering at the USO.

“We see everyone from young recruits to four-star generals,” he said. “When people ask me: ‘What’s a typical day?’—I say, ‘I don’t know, I haven’t had one yet.’”

He relayed the story of a young mother traveling through DIA with three young children: ages 4, 2 and 4 months. When faced with the challenge of an unexpected four-hour layover, with three weary and hungry children, the mother looked to the USO.

As the family ate sandwiches at the lounge, the baby continued to howl. “Let me give him ‘the treatment,’” McHenry suggested.

He laid the baby on his stomach and rubbed his back. The teary-eyed infant put his head down and drifted off.

“It worked for four boys and nine grandchildren,” said McHenry, proud father and grandfather, with wife Pat.

Many people coming through the Rocky Mountain USO Center have been traveling up to 20 hours.

“They’re exhausted,” said McHenry, who said the location also has showers and sleeping quarters. “Some look like ‘death warmed over.’”

“Last year, 844 cadets came through,” said McHenry. “It’s strictly shoulder-to-shoulder there.

“By midnight when we close, those cadets have eaten everything,” he added, with a laugh.

Historically the USO has been known for shows featuring entertainers, most famously Bob Hope, whose contribution to the USO spanned 50 years: 1941-1991. McHenry, who served for 13 months in Korea, had a chance to see Hope in Korea in 1969.

The USO has more than 160 locations around the world. In 2009, more than 30,000 volunteers served 7.7 million visitors. While the USO is not part of the government, it’s recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and president of the United States. The nonprofit relies on support from individuals, organizations and corporations.

The Rocky Mountain USO welcomes monetary donations and large-scale donations of wrapped or sealed snacks and beverages. For more information, visit www.uso.org or call 303-342-6876.