Since 1941 the United Service Organizations (USO) Northwest has supported the area's service members and their families while adapting to meet their needs.

"Today's USO continuously adapts to the needs of our men and women in uniform and their families," said Don Leingang, Executive Director of USO Northwest in a recent email, "so they can focus on their very important missions."

To accomplish its mission, the USO Camp Lewis Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) recently completed a remodeling to better utilize its space and provide a more efficient and comfortable family-friendly setting.

"The JBLM Center has not been remodeled since it was first opened over five years ago, and it was starting to show its age," explained Senior Center Manager, David Dutcher. "About 1,500 service members and families visit the Camp Lewis Center each month, and they deserve to have the newest and best services that can make their day a litter easier and better."

As to the specifics, visitors will find all new furniture in the lounge area in a more inviting space complete with conversation areas. 

"We've actually increased the number of seats in the lounge, but the space looks more open and roomier than before." explained Dutcher, "And gone is the old school design of rows and rows of theater style seating."

He added that along with the new seating there are tables, lamps and living plants to add warmth to the space. "Families with children in strollers now have more space to navigate, and there are new phone charging stations on end tables around the lounge."

What is also new is a centrally located Internet Café with 10 computers.

"It occupies the large area that previously was administrative office space," continued Dutcher. "By moving all of the computers into this space, guests now have a spacious, dedicated computer room near the printer."

He add that the total project time for the remodeling - from initial planning, processing the grant proposal and ordering and placing the furniture - took approximately six months.

"The USO received a very generous $6,500 grant from the Linde Corporation to fund the purchase of the new furniture," explained Dutcher. "One of our dedicated volunteers, a previous Linde Corporation employee, assisted with the submission of the proposal and securing the grant."

The USO Camp Lewis Center is located at the corner of 12th Street and Pendleton Boulevard on Lewis Main, where it shares a building with the America's Credit Union.

"If you liked visiting the old Camp Lewis Center, then you'll love all the changes that we've made to update it," concluded Dutcher. "And if you're new to JBLM, then please stop by and explore all that we have to offer. We are here to serve you."