FORT MOORE, Ga. ( WRBL ) — Though the USO will celebrate its 83rd birthday on Feb. 4, it had reason to celebrate a little early at Fort Moore. Installation officials and USO representatives gathered on-post for a ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicated to the opening of the Fort Moore USO Center on Feb. 1.
The center resides in what was once a bank, having changed form to accommodate the needs of modern soldiers and families.
“We have a room for computers – a computer lab – a gaming room, you know, all of the military are now into gaming,” said Mary Lou Austin, USO Georgia’s executive director, about the perks of the new facility.
That gaming room sits inside what was once a bank vault, nestled behind a massive steel door which now serves only a decorative purpose. The USO Center also bears other evidence of its banking history with drive-thru lanes still visible on its exterior.
According to Austin, Fort Moore’s new USO Center caters to modern military family needs in other ways, too. It has programs for military spouses, free Wi-Fi, coffee connection events, a children’s area, pool table and more. A kitchen and canteen area are also available for use during open hours.