USO Hawaii Airport Center Re-Opens, Offering Troops a “Special Aloha”

Honolulu – USO Hawaii will host troops, their families, and business and community supporters at the reopening of its center at Honolulu International Airport Nov. 5. With four paid staff and more than 200 volunteers, USO Hawaii serves more than 60,000 troops and their family members each year.

“For hundreds of military and their families that come through the Honolulu International Airport daily, USO Hawaii offers a home away from home while they are on the island or in transit,” said Thomas Kolstad, vice president, USO Pacific Region Operations. “Aiding troops who often are tired, hungry and in need of relaxation, the services and amenities the USO provides give new meaning to ‘service on the ground.’”

“We refurbished the USO Hawaii center to provide troops and their families a comfortable, up-to-date home away from home, with all new furnishings and equipment,” said Eva Laird Smith, USO Hawaii director. “It’s our way of saying, ‘Thank You!’ and giving back to the military community here in Hawaii.”

This center renovation includes 16 eight feet tall glass panels featuring Hawaiian motifs and military iconography. The stunning artwork makes the center a showcase of the islands’ unique lifestyle and character. Rare vintage photos from the U.S. Army Museum collection are also on display. The center features comfortable lounge chairs sporting island prints, leather recliners with matching ottomans, contemporary desktops, coffee tables and a video gaming station.

The entertainment lounge features a 62-inch flat screen television, computer terminals with free Internet and e-mail 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 are available while troops visit the center. Other amenities include a restroom, shower, keiki activity room, magazines and other publications. The center is open to all active duty service members and their families seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to midnight.

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About the USO:

The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America’s armed forces and their families. We provide a touch of home to troops wherever they serve through centers at airports and military bases around the world, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services tailored to meet the needs of troops and their families. The USO is not a government agency and relies on the generosity of the American people. The USO is also supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, S & K Sales Co. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381), have joined millions of individual donors to support the USO. For more information, please visit www.uso.org.