The Armed Forces Service Center (AFSC), located in Terminal 1-Lindbergh of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, celebrated its 45th anniversary last week with a reception for volunteers, service members and airport officials.
The AFSC is an "all-free" stop for traveling active duty military personnel and their dependents, activated reservists, and National Guard members.
At the reception, Jeff Hamiel, executive director/CEO for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, emphasized the importance of the AFSC and acknowledged that keeping a volunteer-staffed, nonprofit organization open around-the-clock for 45 years has not been an easy feat.
"I don't know how you've done it for the last 45 years," said Hamiel. "But I hope you can do it for another 45."
Penny Purdum and Nancy Purdum Hall – daughters of AFSC founder Maggie Purdum – also spoke at the event to thank volunteers.
"This place is nothing without the volunteers," said Penny. "Thank you for all that you do."
In addition to celebrating its 45th anniversary, the AFSC predicts that it will welcome its one millionth guest sometime in 2016.
