USO Celebrates Move into Historic Theme Building at LAX

Bob Hope USO celebrated its move into the historic Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Sept. 27, with a grand opening event that featured remarks from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who served his country as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve and was instrumental in the project to relocate the USO Center, and leadership from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the Bob Hope USO and military officials. The ceremony and a ribbon cutting were attended by nearly 500 supporters and community leaders.

“Los Angeles will always open its arms to the women and men who serve our country — and that begins right here at the Bob Hope USO,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “The iconic Theme Building’s proudest chapter will be as a world-class facility for members of the military and their families traveling to — and through — our City of Angels. We are grateful beyond words to all those who wear our nation’s uniform.” 

“This is a memorable day for all of us at LAWA and for those who have put their time, their passion, their love and their energy into creating this incredible facility for our military and their families," said Deborah Flint, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. “LAX is proud to have the Bob Hope USO in our iconic Theme Building and we are grateful to all those who are serving or have served our country.”

Part of the new center pays homage to Bob Hope and his decades long support of the USO and the troops with a curated display area honoring the famed comedian and entertainer.  Linda Hope, Bob Hope's daughter, was in attendance to carry on her father’s legacy in supporting our service members. The Dolores and Bob Hope Foundation made a $2 million contribution to fund the capital project and programs supporting current members of the military and their families.

“Our donors, supporters and volunteers make it possible to say thank you 685 times a day across 51,000 square miles in Southern and Central California, to our troops and their families at USO centers and on military installations.  We transform your generosity into tangible and intangible support for our service members and their brave families, and we are thrilled to launch an incredible state-of-the-art USO Center at LAX,” said Bob Kurkjian, president of Bob Hope USO.  

The new center doubles the size of the previous USO facility. At 7,100 square feet, it features numerous amenities for visiting troops and their families including a canteen snack bar; dining room; large nap room; family zone with play area and three private family rooms with dedicated restroom; three family video connection rooms; TV lounge and movie theater; gaming lounge; selfie wall; charging stations; secure luggage storage; and an outdoor pavilion. 

All services, food and beverages are provided free of charge to current members of the military and their dependent family members thanks to thousands of generous donors, large and small, and a team of over 250 USO volunteers who operate the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. 

Since beginning operations at LAX in 1974, the USO has served over a million troops and families. It is anticipated to serve 2.7 million in the next 20 years.

The new center was made possible through the commitment of Bob Hope USO’s supporters including The Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation, Los Angeles World Airports, Delta Air Lines, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, The Ahmanson Foundation, American Legion Post 283, Marilyn Cohen and Chris Malburg, Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, The Madeline and Marvin Gussman Family Foundation, The Hollywood Post American Legion 43, The Fred and Peggy Hartley Family Foundation, California Veterans Charity corporations that have pledged to sponsor and support Bob Hope USO.  

Bob Hope USO provides direct service to over 250,000 service members, their families and eligible military retirees in Southern and Central California annually.