New USO eases traveling Published July 22, 2010 By Senior Airman Clay Murray 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- After occupying temporary facilities for several months due to construction and renovation, the United Service Organization center at Frankfurt International Airport is back to operating in a permanent capacity. The USO is now located in Terminal 1 Hall C, not more than 100 feet away from its former location. "Construction was intended to improve that portion of the airport's fire safety," said Sharon O'Neill, USO Center Manager. The new location offers an area with updated fire safety equipment and a number of improvements including six laptops with Internet access. "The refurnished center provides a warm experience for the weary traveler," Ms. O'Neill said. "The new USO lounge has been refurnished with very comfortable couches and recliners," Ms. O'Neill said. "We also have new lighting which makes the lounge comfortable in general for the tired visitor." The USO still offers all of the same conveniences for the traveling Saber it originally had. "We offer a place for travelers to rest between flights or while waiting for their pick up," Ms. O'Neill said. "We have free drinks and Internet use. We also work very closely with the Replacement Center and make reservations with the different shuttle services to Ramstein, Spangdahlem, Heidelberg and Mannheim. We help visitors with lost passports or forgotten leave forms. In general, we try to solve any problem a visitor might have." Traveling in foreign countries with new languages can be challenging for anyone. The USO will do all it can to alleviate troubles for military members and their families, Mrs. O'Neill said. "We want everybody to know that the USO is there for all servicemembers and will take that extra step to solve a problem that might come up while travelling," she said. "We are happy with our new location and hope our visitors feel the same." The Frankfurt International Airport USO is open 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily and 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. American Holidays. Employees and volunteers are available to assist with shuttle reservations or train connections to a degree. The office can be contacted at uso.fiap@t-online.de or by calling (069) 691-581.