The Armed Forces Service Center (AFSC) located at the MSP airport revealed its updates last week at a grand opening. Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo), chair of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Policy and Finance Committee, attended and toured the expansion. For 50 years, since it was started by the Purdam family, this center has served retired military, active military, and their families as a place of rest and comfort away from the bustle of the airport.

Previously, the AFSC could not accommodate many servicemembers and the amenities were very limited. Recently, the Metropolitan Airports Commission made expansion plans that would have demolished and repurposed the space utilized by the AFSC. The center took the opportunity to move the location to Concourse A. Its capacity has expanded, and it is now a beautiful facility in a new and improved space.

“The AFSC has hosted over one million servicemembers, and I am thankful I had the opportunity to advocate for funding that made renovations possible so many more of our brave men and women can enjoy the facility in the coming years,” said Senator Anderson. “Providing a place to relax and decompress is an important way to remind those who have served that we care about them and will strive to support them wherever they are.”

The center includes extra amenities for them to enjoy while they wait for their flight. They can have some breakfast or a sandwich and a beverage, enjoy the new recliners and televisions, get some sleep in the bunk rooms, or refresh with a shower. Volunteers work in shifts 24 hours a day to keep it available.