USO opening video gaming center on Eglin

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Armed forces members and their families will have a new place to recharge and reconnect when the USO opens its new video gaming center and café here April 28.

The 2,500-square-foot gaming center, located in the Bldg. 825 across from the base fitness center, has 24 gaming stations featuring X-box or Hewlett Packard desktop consoles.

The stations also have gaming chairs, computer mice, mats, keyboards, headsets, headset stands, and other gaming equipment and peripherals.

“As we continue our support of service members and their families, we must find new ways to ensure their connection to family, home and country stays strong and relevant to them, and our new state-of-the-art USO Gaming center does just that,” said Dana Cervantes, USO Northwest Florida executive director.

Both Eglin and USO leadership will be on hand for the grand opening and ribbon cutting April 28 at 4 p.m.

The primary funding for the center’s construction came from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation.  Operational costs for the first year were part of the foundation’s gift and also The Armed Forces Family Foundation.

“The generous support of our donors and partners make the USO mission delivery possible”, said Jim Whaley, President of USO’s Southeast Region.

“Without it, we could not provide the quality programs and amenities we make available for our service members and their families each day here in the U.S. and around the globe.  Our centers and program delivery are a direct expression of America’s gratitude to those who serve our country.”