- The Armed Forces Service Center (AFSC), has been at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, since November 22, 1970, with no USO affiliation. To support our nonprofit efforts, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the green “Donate” button.
- The AFSC was founded by Mrs. Maggie Purdum, as a 501(c) (3) tax exempt nonprofit, 8 months after her son, Naval Aviation Technician Petty Officer R. “Scott” Purdum, died in a plane crash in Vietnam. The AFSC is the longest running private military airport lounge.
- For traveling active-duty military, Purple Heart recipients and ALL Dept. of Defense ID holders; dependents, retirees, and 100% DAV.
- Relocated inside security at the MSP Terminal 1, October 2018. The large facility offers free food, beverages, TV lounge, computer, CAC reader, luggage storage, dining room, playroom w/TV, separate bunk rooms for men and women (with a crib), 3 bathrooms, lactation station, shower and a separate refrigerator to store items for guests.
- Pre-pandemic, the AFSC was open 24/7, since 1970. Currently, the daily hours of operations 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 open hours.
- 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 charters 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, Training Troops, and Holiday Block Leave.
- Troop Greeter Program started in October 2006, after we received a satellite call from a Marine officer in Iraq, requesting support for 310 troops returning to Hawaii, MSP was their first touchdown on U.S. soil.
Minnesota Armed Forces Service Center
Serving Those Who Serve