Military
The MAN BEHIND
San Diego’s SALUTE
to the MILITARY
N
eil Ash and his wife June
Barrymore Ash share a
special connection with
military service members
and their families. It
was their generous gifts that led to the
USO Neil Ash Airport Center at San Diego
International Airport – the largest USO
airport center in the world. Millions of
passengers navigate San Diego’s Airport
every year and hear over the public-
address system: “The USO Neil Ash
Airport Center is located in Terminal 2.”
Few understand the immense impact the
Center makes annually.
Because of the generosity of the Ashes,
more than 160,000 service members and
their families visit the center each year.
Service members and their families can
rest, watch television, play games, read
or sleep. They can also print their Orders,
use the computers, make telephone calls,
take a shower, eat a meal, arrange for
transportation and complete necessary
administrative tasks, easily and with
assistance from the USO if they need it.
This is also the location where dignified
transport is provided to families who have
lost a loved one in combat.
Neil Ash’s personal story with the military
began in 1945 when he completed naval
training at Cornell University. When he
departed for the Pacific, World War II was
18 GBSAN.COM | JUNE 2018
Neil Ash and Bobby Woods coming to a close, but Neil was
assigned the second in command
post on a 103-foot coastal transport
vessel. It is during this voyage that
Neil developed the foundation of his
strong beliefs about the meaning
of leadership. From there, Neil
graduated from the University of
Southern California’s law school. Not
long after, he was called for active
duty. This time, the Korean War. Now
a military lawyer, Neil handled cases
from desertion to sexual assault.
When the Korean War ended in
1953, Neil returned to civilian life. The
inspiration for his lifelong support of
the military was cemented.
Neil and June Ash His career led him to the role of
corporate counsel for Signal Gas
& Oil, and multiple philanthropic
commitments. Neil was invited to
participate with the USO and served
on the World Board of Governors in
Washington, DC after having served
as president of the USO and receiving
the prestigious Spirit of Hope
Award. Neil has traveled to several
USO Centers around the world,
and therefore understood firsthand
the impact the USO has on military
service members and their families.
Through the years, Neil has shared
his time, advice and financial support,
always with passion and kindness.