Armed Forces Service Center

The Armed Forces Services Center (AFSC) was founded on November 22, 1970, by Maggie Purdum, after her son died in Vietnam. To date, the Center has provided free food, shelter and services for over 1 million military guests. UNIQUE TO MINNESOTA - The AFSC is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit facility. It is supported by contributions (financial and in-kind product donation) from various veterans’ organizations, corporate and personal contributors. The AFSC has no affiliation with nor receives funds from our respected counterparts at the USO. OPEN 24/7 (365 days a year) - The AFSC offers current traveling members of the US Armed Forces -- active-duty, National Guard, Reservists, their dependents, DOD/PHS employees, Military Retirees, ex-POW’s, MOH & Purple Heart Recipients, a nice lounge with satellite TV, CAC reader, cell phone, free Wi-Fi, iPads, fax/printer/copier machine, bathroom and toiletries. It also has complementary snacks, beverages, etc. The men's bunk room sleeps 20, and the women's bunk sleeps 6. AWARDS – In 2012, the AFSC was awarded the first "Joining Forces Community Challenge" at the White House. The award recognized years of service to military personnel and their dependents. Only five organizations were selected out of 300 non-profits nationwide. SERVICES PROVIDED: • Fallen Service Members (KIA or Stateside) - The AFSC works with all branches of the local military with families of fallen service member enroute to Dover, their military installation or returning home to Minnesota. The Center coordinates an offsite staging area with the military, airport police and airlines to provide families needed privacy as they await the arrival of the fallen. • Staging - The AFSC serves as a staging area for deployments, new recruits, welcome home gatherings, annual training for troops from around the country and the regional troop call up. • Wounded Troops - The AFSC coordinates with the VA Hospital and the TSA severely wounded program to provide respite or escorts for the military as a transit through the MSP airport. • Meet-N-Greets - The AFSC "troop greeter" program was established in 2006, after receiving a satellite call from a Marine officer in Iraq, requesting assistance for 350 combat troops returning home to Hawaii. To date, the AFSC "troop greeters," have rolled out mobile canteens at all hours to welcome combat troops, training troops, serve as host for the Twin Cities Honor Flight and assist the families of the fallen. The AFSC has welcomed over 300 military flights going to and from deployments. Note: The AFSC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors and registered with the Minnesota Attorney General. Federal ID number 41-0966145. The annual audit review required is conducted by an independent accounting firm.