Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore officially sanctioned their long-standing partnership with the signing of a no-cost support agreement Oct. 1.
USO-Metro has approximately 7,139 square feet for its Honor Guard Lounge and offices in Buildings 59 and 405 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.
In Marines Barracks (Building 416, also on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base), USO-Metro operates a Marines Resiliency Room.
"I have to admit, I was just a bit surprised to learn just the other day that no support agreement existed before now," said JBM-HH Commander Col. Mike Henderson during the signing ceremony in the Honor Guard Lounge in Bldg. 405 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. "But, the phrase 'better late than never' doesn't fully recognize the significance of this agreement, as it legally binds a very important and long-standing partnership."
USO-Metro President and Chief Executive Officer Elaine Rogers said her organization has been a presence on the joint base for at least 35 years.
"It has been such a great relationship and it's such an honor for us to be here to provide the service which everyone needs," she said.
Department of Defense Instruction 1000.15 is the official guidance that authorizes private organizations such as the USO to operate on DoD installations, Henderson explained.
"Of all our partnerships headquartered on the joint base, the USO is one of the most essential, as you provide necessary services and support to our service members and host events that promote morale among troops and their families," said Henderson.
Henderson said over the past fiscal year, the Honor Guard Lounge supported nearly 50,000 service members and visitors while the USO has provided over $167,000 in budget and support to the base.
"What we do here is not for us, it is for you," said Steve Tomlin, USO-Metro chief operating officer.
In addition to numerous events that USO-Metro sponsors at the Honor Guard Lounge, the organization also hosts celebrity visits and holiday-themed and special parties and offers free and discounted tickets to area events to service members and their families, said Henderson.
"I would be remiss if I did not mention the incredible assistance you provide our service members and their families in times of need through all your generous programs," he said.
A cake cutting followed the signing of the agreement by Henderson and Tomlin.
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