USO Hawaii will play open house to its military, their families, business and community supporters at the Honolulu Airport Center reopening on Thursday, November 5, from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. at its premises between baggage claim E and F, ground floor.
For hundreds of military and their families that come to the Honolulu International Airport daily, USO Hawaii is their perfect ‘home away from home.’ Tired, hungry, and in need of relaxation and the comforts of home, the airport center’s services and amenities give a new meaning to ‘service on the ground.’
“The USO Hawaii center at Honolulu International Airport was refurbished to provide our military and their families a comfortable, up-to-date home away from home, with all new furnishings and equipment for their use while in transit. It’s our way of saying, ‘Thank You!’ and giving back to the military community here in Hawaii,” said Tom Kolstad, USO Regional Vice President, Pacific Operations.
The USO Hawaii airport center remake consists of 16-full size glass panels featuring Hawaiiana motifs and military iconography. The stunning artwork makes the center an instant showcase of our islands’ unique lifestyle and character. Rare vintage photos were culled from the extensive collection of the U.S. Army Museum. The new look consists of comfortable lounge chairs sporting island prints, leather recliners with matching ottoman, contemporary desktops, adjustable leather chairs, coffee tables, and a video play station, including a much-beloved island symbol-a surf board mounted on the wall.
The entertainment lounge features a big plasma TV, computer terminals with free internet and email access, Wi-Fi connectivity and free Skype calls that allow troops to stay connected with their loved ones. Bottomless cups of coffee, pastries and popcorn make the USO Airport Center a much visited ‘home away from home.’ Other amenities include a restroom, shower, keiki activity room, magazines and publications. The center is open to all active duty military Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to midnight.
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This year alone, USO Hawaii’s Deployment and Redeployment Support Program assisted close to 50,000 troops at their two centers at Honolulu Airport and Hickam Air Force Base AMC Terminal. These facilities provide the first and last taste of home, as staff and volunteers work to provide morale, recreation, and welfare services with a big dose of the aloha spirit. USO Hawaii also provides off site services including welcome ceremonies and send-offs at various military bases on Oahu year-round.
Close to 200 unpaid volunteers and a four staff members work around the clock, ensuring that every one of our military and their families is served, until every one comes home.
Opening Event Schedule (Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009) Honolulu International Airport, Baggage Claim E & F
- 10:00 a.m. Christian Blessings by Lt. Karen Rector MCB
- 10:10 Hawaiian Traditional Blessings by Kahu Paul Akau
- 10: 20-11:20 Navy Pacific Fleet Band (Big Band Music of the 40s, and Patriotic Tunes)
- 10:20-Noon Refreshments
- Noon-4:00 p.m. Open House to volunteers and members of the community
The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families. It is a nonprofit, charitable organization that relies on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. It currently operates more than 140 centers worldwide, providing morale, recreation, and welfare services.
On our islands, USO Hawaii continues to provide programs such as Operation USO Care Package, USO Operation Phone Home, United Through Reading, Operation Enduring Care, Deployment and Redeployment Support
