WHY IT RATES: Members of the armed forces and their families have an amazing new space at LAX as the airport continues its remodel.—Jessica Zickefoose, TravelPulse Associate Editor
Bob Hope USO at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a new address after moving into the ground level of the iconic Theme Building on Center Way.
The new center is about double the size of the previous USO facility located near Terminal 2, providing 7,100 square feet to serve current members of the military and their families traveling through LAX.
“The men and women of our armed forces put their lives on the line to protect us every day—they deserve a warm welcome when they come home, and when they’re traveling through our airport,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “This beautiful new facility opens a new chapter in the rich history of the Bob Hope USO at LAX, and I am proud to see it open its doors today.”
“We are proud to open the doors of our iconic LAX Theme Building to our service members and their families, as the new home of the Bob Hope USO,” said Deborah Flint, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). “This renovated facility provides the Bob Hope USO an incredible space that reflects progress on our commitment to creating a world-class airport experience for all of our guests.”
“For 77 years, the USO has been the standard bearer in service to our troops and their families,” said Bob Kurkjian, President, Bob Hope USO. “Today, we continue that tradition with the newest Bob Hope USO Center, combining our tradition of hospitality with best-in-class technology and entertainment. In partnership with our major donors, this center will welcome an estimated 2.7 million troops over the next 20 years.”
Part of the new center pays homage to Bob Hope and his decades-long support of the USO and the troops with a curated display area honoring the famed comedian and entertainer.
Among the amenities for visiting troops and their families are a canteen snack bar; dining room; large nap room; family zone with play area and three private family rooms with dedicated restroom; three family video connection rooms; TV lounge and movie theater; gaming lounge; selfie wall; charging stations; secure luggage storage; and an outdoor pavilion.
All services, food and beverages are provided free of charge to current members of the military and their dependent family members thanks to thousands of generous donors, large and small, and a team of over 250 USO volunteers who operate the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
The move and construction of the new center are made possible through the commitment of Bob Hope USO’s supporters including The Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation, Los Angeles World Airports, Delta Air Lines, Northrop Grumman Corporation, The Ahmanson Foundation, American Legion Post 283, Marilyn Cohen and Chris Malburg, Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, The Madeline and Marvin Gussman Family Foundation, Hollywood Post 43, American Legion, The Fred and Peggy Hartley Family Foundation, California Veterans Charity and other members of the community that have pledged to sponsor and support Bob Hope USO.
Bob Hope USO provides direct service to over 250,000 service members, their families and eligible military retirees in Southern and Central California annually.
To donate, sign up for a volunteer position, or send supplies needed to stock the new USO from the wishlist, please visit bobhopeuso.org.
