Return to the "POINTER VIEW"January 12, 2001
Return to the "POINTER VIEW"
January 12, 2001
Since 1919, servicemen and women have enjoyed affordable accommodations in New York City at the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’ and Airmen’s Clubs. Located in the historic Murray Hill section of midtown Manhattan, close to the theater district, the Empire State building, Radio City Music Hall and the United Nations, it is within walking distance of Fifth and Madison Avenue shopping. Grand Central terminal and Penn Station -- the hub for convenient transportation to city sights, train and bus terminals -- are also within walking distance. The USO of New York operates its Douglas MacArthur Center at the club offering its services (theater tickets, TV show tickets, sporting event tickets) to those with U.S. military ID cards.
All personnel of the total force and their families are welcome. This includes active-duty, service academy/ROTC cadets and midshipmen, reserve, National Guard, retirees and honorably discharged veterans. Dependents of eligible personnel can register on their own with proof of eligibility at the same rate as their sponsor. Rates and/or reservations can be obtained by calling 1-800-678-8443 or through the Web site at
www.ssmaclub.org. The mailing address is 283 Lexington Ave., N.Y., N.Y., 10016.The SSMAC is a not-for-profit organization supported solely through tax-deductible donations. The club is not affiliated with the U.S. federal government and it receives no government grants or subsidies. It was founded by patriotic citizens with the support of Gen. John J. Pershing who was the honorary president of the club from 1940-1946.
Their founding charter reads: "To promote the general welfare of servicemen and women and their families of the United States Armed Forces." Since its founding in February 1919, the club has been "a home away from home" to more than 2,000,000 service-personnel. Above the club’s entrance is a plaque that states "The light shines in honor of the men and women of the United States who gave their lives for our country."