HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – Members from Hill Air Force Base joined United Service Organization leaders and government officials Feb. 4 for the official grand opening of the USO Utah Center at Salt Lake City International Airport.
The 933 square-foot facility provides comfort to military and dependent family members while waiting at the airport for a connecting flight.
Free amenities at the center include comfortable furniture for resting, computers and Wi-Fi access, complimentary snacks and beverages, luggage storage, as well as a lounge area with TV entertainment, movies and family games.
Chief Master Sgt. Morgan Cabaniss, 75th Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader said servicemen and women can count on the USO to be a rock of support because navigating the globe is a challenge and adding family to the equation can a recipe for chaos.
“The support the Salt Lake City USO Lounge provides our Airmen and families will absolutely mitigate the stress associated with military travel through rest, relaxation, and a sense of belonging,” he said. “The USO has supported me throughout 23 years of service, bridging eight assignments, seven deployments, and countless temporary duty assignments.”
Cabaniss said whether deploying, changing assignments or traveling on leave, servicemen and women now have a place to call home at the SLC International Airport.
“In the busy world we live in, having the ability to step out of the noise and into a quiet USO lounge can greatly benefit our resiliency and mental health,” he said. “We can never thank the volunteers enough for their selfless dedication to our servicemen and women.”
To keep this free service going, USO Utah is looking for people to join the team of more than 30,000 USO volunteers who support local military service members and their families.
To donate, volunteer or explore sponsorship opportunities with USO Utah, please visit utah.uso.org.