OREANDA-NEWS. October 10, 2013. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and American Airlines joined the USO of Illinois to celebrate the grand re-opening of its new USO O'Hare center facility in Terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport.

The space is in addition to the USO's other center facility in Terminal 2 at O'Hare, and will provide another "home away from home" for thousands of military and military families every year.
 
"On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, we are honored to help provide support and comfort to the men and women of our armed forces who travel through our global gateway, O'Hare International Airport," said CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino. "This new center is a wonderful addition to O'Hare and is another great amenity for traveling military personnel and their families. 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."
 
Alison Ruble, President/COO, USO Illinois, delivers remarks at the opening of the new USO Center in the Rotunda of Terminal 3 at O'Hare
  
The new USO center was made possible in part through the generous support of the CDA and American. It's located past security on the second floor of the Rotunda area of Terminal 3 at the end of the G Concourse. The new, approximately 1,200-square foot facility will hold about 40 military men and women while they are transiting through O'Hare.
 
"American Airlines, which has a long history of assisting the military, is proud to work closely with the USO to establish this very convenient facility for use by members of the military and their families," said Franco Tedeschi, American Airline's Vice President - 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."
 
 
(L-r) Capt. William Bulis, Brig. Gen. James Schroeder; Franco Tedeschi, VP, American Airlines; Alison Ruble, Pres./COO, USO of Illinois; CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino; Lt. Col. Duane Hayden and Sgt. Maj. Jason K. Jones officially open the new USO Center at O'Hare

"In one of the busiest airports in the world, it is essential that the USO of Illinois provides a comfortable and inviting place of respite for our 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," said Alison Ruble, President and CEO of the USO of Illinois. "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."
 
The new center will offer special amenities featured at all USO center facilities, including a comfortable lounge area, free Wi-Fi, snacks and refreshments, computers, access to free phone service, travelers information, maps and area attractions and special military support resources. The center is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.