Minnesota Armed Forces Service Center

On January 24, 2012, the Armed Forces Service Center(AFSC) was selected as one of the 20 finalists for the "JOINING FORCES COMMUNITY CHALLENGE", launched in July, by the First Lady and Dr. Biden.

All finalists will be profiled as part of the People's Choice voting process on Challenge.gov. Prize winners will be recognized at an event in Washington, D.C. in early 2012, and profiled and celebrated on the Champions of Change website. Public voting and additional judging will take place after finalists are announced and continue through February, when the White House will announce a winner on March 16, 2012. Winners' profiles will be featured at Champions of Change, the Administration's website where extraordinary community efforts in the areas of innovation and education are celebrated.

The AFSC is grateful for the opportunity to be in the National spotlight, thanks to the selfless acts of service of our dedicated volunteers.

Please vote for the AFSC:

http://joiningforces.challenge.gov/submissions/4850-armed-forces-service-center-msp-airport

Celebrating 40 Years of Service

November 22, 1970 - November 22, 2010

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 Terminal 1- Lindbergh, on the mezzanine level above the main ticket area. Click here for map.

The Armed Forces Service Center is a one-of-a-kind facility "unique" to Minnesota (CFC code 45253). It is not affiliated with the USO or with the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

The Armed Forces Service Center was founded by Maggie Purdum on November 22,1970, after her son died in Vietnam. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the center relies on funding from various veterans organizations and their auxiliaries as well as, private businesses, and individuals.

The Center offers numerous amenities:

	A nice lounge area with comfortable leather furniture, a dining table and buffet.
	A large kitchen with two microwaves, and a commercial coffee machine.
	A 50" flat panel television with over 200 satellite channels.
	DSN line, calling cards and cell phone.
	Free Wi-Fi, courtesy of Boingo Wireless. Access is available ONLY in the center.
	Three Netbooks
	A fax/printer/copier/scanner machine.
	Complementary sandwiches, pastries, chips, cereals, soups, hot and cold beverages.
	Men's bunk room with 20 sleeping bunks.
	Women's bunk room with 6 sleeping bunks, a baby crib and nursing chair.
	A bathroom with a changing table and various complementary toiletries.
	An assortment of children's toys, games, playing cards.
	Complementary paperback books, stationery, stamps, sewing kits.
	Iron and ironing board.
	Supervised storage of luggage, and bunk wake-up service.