Since
November 22, 1970, the Armed Forces Service Center
(AFSC) has served as an oasis for active duty military personnel
and their dependents, as well as Reservists, National Guard,
Department of Defense and Public Health Service personnel (on
orders), as they travel through Minneapolis-St. Paul
International Airport.
Open 24/7... the Armed Forces Service Center is an "all free" stop
located at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, for
active-duty military personnel, their dependents, activated
reservists and national guardsmen. As well as, Department of Defense
and PHS employees (on orders), and other members of the uniformed
services on active duty. In appreciation for all those who have
served, military retirees and veterans are welcome to a cup of
coffee, pastry and seating provided outside the AFSC. The center is
located in the Lindbergh Terminal, on the mezzanine level above the
main ticketing area.
The Armed Forces Service Center is a one-of-a-kind facility
unique to Minnesota. It is not affiliated with the USO or with the
Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
The AFSC was founded by Maggie Purdum as a tribute to those who serve - after
her son died in Vietnam. The AFSC is funded through donations, primarily from various veterans
organizations and their auxiliaries, as well as from private organizations and individuals. In November 2005, the center
celebrated its 35th anniversary and 700K military guest.
The AFSC is open 24 hours
per day, every day of the year to ensure its doors are never
closed to a serviceperson in need of food, shelter or
assistance. Which is accomplished through the hard work and
sacrifice of our dedicated volunteers. It takes 168 four-hour
shifts per month to staff the center 24 hours every day.
The AFSC's services have been in high demand of late. The number
of individuals passing through its doors increased substantially
following the events of September 11th and pursuant to the war
on terrorism. The AFSC provided assistance for military
personnel during the six-state troop call up, as well as for
deployments to combat zones.
The center
also serves as host for those returning from their tour of duty
whether healthy, wounded, home to stay, or on R&R (rest and
relaxation). Since 2005, AFSC "troop greeters" have welcomed
more than 12,550 combat military personnel.
The AFSC offers a variety of complimentary food and beverages,
satellite television, a fax machine/printer/copier, two
computers and two laptop computers with high speed Internet
access, a donated Sprint cell phone, restrooms, toiletries,
magazines and separate sleeping facilities for men and women.
If you have any questions, please contact me at the office
between the hours of 9 AM to 1 PM.
Thank you for your interest in the Armed Forces Service Center.
Proudly "serving those who serve" since 1970.
Debra Cain
Executive Director
Armed Forces Service Center
4300 Glumack Drive - LT3693
Mpls./St. Paul International Airport
St. Paul, MN 55111
Office: (612) 726-9156
Fax: (612) 726-9232
