[caption id=“attachment_10051” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”]Members of the military along with Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino, Vice President American Airlines - Chicago Franco Tedeschi and USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble prepare to cut the ribbon Oct. 2 opening the new USO center in Terminal 3 of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. USO photo Members of the military along with Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino, Vice President American Airlines - Chicago Franco Tedeschi and USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble prepare to cut the ribbon Oct. 2 opening the new USO center in Terminal 3 of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. USO photo[/caption]

The USO of Illinois celebrated the grand re-opening of its new facility in Terminal 3 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Oct. 2. The space is an addition to the USO’s center in O’Hare’s Terminal 2, and will provide another spot for thousands of troops and their families every year.

The refurbished facility is approximately 1,200 square feet and can host about 40 troops at any given time. It features a comfortable lounge area, free Wi-Fi and computer access, free snacks and refreshments, access to free phone service, information for travelers and special military support resources. The center is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

“This new center is a wonderful addition to O'Hare and is another great amenity for traveling military personnel and their families,” said Rosemarie Andolino, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation. “We look forward to continuing to call attention to the service of our troops at Chicago’s airports while providing them with the very best travel experience.”

The new USO center was made possible in part through the generous support of American Airlines, the City of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Aviation, all of which took lead rolls in renovating the facility, located on the mezzanine level of the rotunda area of Terminal 3 at the end of the G Concourse.

“American Airlines, which has a long history of assisting the military, is proud to work closely with the USO of Illinois to establish this very convenient facility for use by members of the military and their families,” said Franco Tedeschi, Vice President, American Airlines – Chicago. “American also wants to publicly support the financial contributions made by Prospect Airport Services, Inc., Hartmann Electric Company, Inc., Rossi Contractors, Inc., and Gate Gourmet that aided in making this facility a reality.”

USO of Illinois CEO and President Alison Ruble said the new center will offer much-needed respite for traveling service members.

“Whether they are traveling home bound from deployment, on military orders or with their families, our troops will enjoy the warm welcome, resources and refreshment that this new USO center provides, conveniently located within the secure side of the terminal,” Ruble said. “We are grateful for the efforts of American Airlines, the City of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Aviation, along with a dedicated community of area supporters and volunteers, that helped make this new space a reality.”

–Story by Chris Miller, USO of Illinois