OREANDA-NEWS. May 06, 2014. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) kicked off its third annual Military Appreciation Month celebration to recognize active and former military personnel traveling through Chicago's airports.
 
During the month of May, the CDA, in partnership with the United Service Organization of Illinois(USO) and airport concessionaires, will sponsor a series of planned events, programs and special discounts. Participating retail and food and beverage outlets will offer discounts to military personnel at O'Hare and Midway throughout the month.
 
"On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, we are proud to offer our support for the men and women who defend our freedoms, and their families," said CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino. "Military Appreciation Month is an opportunity for the CDA, the USO, our airport partners, passengers and employees at Chicago's airports to say 'thank you' to the men and women who serve, and who have served, our country."
Tuesdays will be Donation Days for the USO. Passengers and airport employees are encouraged to visit the USO Centers at each airport and donate food items such as chips, water and candy, DVDs, video games, eyeglass wipes, hand sanitizer and other personal care items for use by military personnel and their families traveling through Chicago's airports. Donation bins will be located at USO centers in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at O'Hare and in Concourse B. The Midway USO Center, conveniently located on Concourse G, will also offer donation bins.
 
Beginning May 9 at O'Hare, the USO will staff information tables past security checkpoints to provide bottled water for military personnel and share information about what the USO offers to service members and their families, as well as volunteer opportunities for civilians. Passengers can also fill out "Thank A Hero" note cards to leave for those serving in the military. The note cards will be on display at the USO booths as well.