Old Wright-Patterson community center to become USO outpost

DAYTON, Ohio — A community center closed by budget cuts in 2014 will reopen as a USO center on the grounds of western Ohio's Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The Dayton Daily News reports Wright-Patterson and USO officials believe this is the first time the service organization opened an outpost on the base located near Dayton.

Officials say active-duty military, reservists and National Guardsmen and their families will have access to the center, which opens on Saturday.

USO of Central & Southern Ohio executive director Sherry Ems says the facility will feature an Internet cafe, a game room and possibly music and art rooms in the future. A no-cost thrift store will also be moving into the location.

Airman Franchesca Pancham says the new space will help boost morale and camaraderie.

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