Clark Completes New USO Warrior and Family Center

Bethesda, Md. – On April 1, a ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion of the Warrior and Family Center. Located on the campus of Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB), home of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), the Warrior and Family Center is the most recent addition to the USO’s more than 160 locations worldwide. The facility provides support services our nation’s active duty service members and wounded warriors, as well as their families and caregivers.

Constructed in 13 months, the 16,000 square-foot center is designed to re-energize those who are healing. The facility features a large commercial kitchen, living room-like area with a fireplace, multi-functional community room, therapeutic art studio, lounge, computer center, and a Charlie Sheen-sponsored music room, as well as a healing garden, children's playground, and outdoor patios, complete with fire pits.

The USO Warrior and Family Center is strategically located adjacent to the long-term wounded warrior barracks at WRNMMC, making it more convenient for ill and injured troops and their families to get support during their healing process. Although the Warrior and Family Center is not a medical facility, it will plays a critical role in the healing process for the roughly 50,000 patrons it anticipates to serve annually.

"This facility will allow us to enhance that 360 degree care and support of our service members and their families. It will serve as a place of respite and allow them to recharge their batteries, both mentally and physically, and be energized for the next day." said NSAB Commander Capt. David Bitonti. "This is part of the resiliency effort in order to maintain the mission, whether that mission is to heal, to provide care and support, or assist in transition.