USO center to open in Charlotte airport

[fontman]

USO center to open in Charlotte airport
August 10,2006
CHRIS MAZZOLINI
DAILY NEWS STAFF

For military personnel flying about North Carolina, nearly all roads lead through Charlotte. Soon, those roads will be paved with smiles.

And free food.

The USO of North Carolina plans to open a service center at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport at the beginning of September, a refuge where service members and their families can kick back and relax when caught in the limbo of transferring flights and delays.

While fat leather recliners, plasma TVs and free grub and drink are the main attraction, traveling warriors will also receive a bit of cheer.

"The first thing they are going to see is a smiley face welcoming them," said Judy Pitchford, president of the USO of North Carolina.

Pitchford said she is expecting a large crowd coming through Charlotte. That airport is the hub for US Airways, and thousands of service members pass through its terminals each month. Marines bound for Camp Lejeune, for example, nearly always pass through Charlotte because US Airways is the only large airline that services Albert Ellis Airport in Jacksonville. Charlotte also serves as a hub for flights from Craven Regional Airport, near Cherry Point Air Station.

"It was a no-brainer to come here," Pitchford said. "Just the amount of military that flies through (Charlotte) is amazing. Charlotte is a major hub for all the bases in North Carolina. People have been requesting this center for quite some time."

Marines waiting for flights in Jacksonville on Wednesday gave the USO center idea a thumbs up.

Pfc. Robbie Phillips, a Marine military police officer who was traveling from Jacksonville to Vermont - through Charlotte - said he's used USO centers at other airports. One is also located at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Another is at Dallas-Fort Worth.

"The USO is very helpful," he said.

Pfc. Jeremy Schuch, with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, said he stayed at a USO center when he was traveling to North Carolina from California. While Wednesday's flight was his first time headed through Charlotte, he said he would definitely use a center when it opens.

"Better than sitting out in a lobby area," he said.

About 2,500 military members are expected to use the center's services each month, Pitchford said. A similar center that's been open at Raleigh-Durham for a couple years sees about 2,000 military personnel monthly.

The airport donated about 2,400 square feet in a former British Airways lounge, which is located on the second floor of the main concourse above the grand piano and the line of white rocking chairs.

"We won't have white rocking chairs, we'll have large leather recliners," Pitchford said.

Unlike the Raleigh center, which is open around the clock, the Charlotte one will open at 5 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. So while stranded service members can't sleep there, Pitchford said USO officials will help commandeer them hotel rooms.

The center will open to visitors Sept. 1 and have a grand opening ceremony on Sept. 15.

Pitchford said they are seeking donations. Those interested can send donations to the USO in Jacksonville at 9 Tallman St., Jacksonville, N.C. 28540. Specify that donations are for Charlotte.

[marinegreen]

Would be neat Top if they put them in all major hubs, for our troops.

[outlaw3179]

I think its Maine that they have one where when I came back from Iraq we were greeted with a bunch of USO volunteers clapping and hugs , free cell phones to use, food and drinks (NA) . Probably one of the best feelings. It was pretty nice and really made you feel great to be back home.

[Ignition]

i have seen them at lots of major hubs.... one big problem is they are outside of the security checkpoint.... if it was within a terminal.... i would live there... but i can understand why its not