SAN DIEGO — The USO is celebrating 83 years of service to military and their families.
The USO Neil Ash Airport Center went through a four-month renovation and today volunteers unveiled its new look today.
US Marine, Private Eduardo Salgado remembers his first time waiting at the USO airport hub at the San Diego International Airport before reporting to boot camp at MCRD last September
“They’re here to help us out. And the very first step, becoming a Marine is very stressful. So those steps and then getting that love from the volunteers is really helpful as well,” said Salgado.
He and Private US Marine Matthew Brown, who is from Arizona, are on their way to Texas for a firefighting training academy but the bus doesn’t come till 4PM.
“I’ve been here since 1 a.m. and I was able to go take a good nap on the couch, get a shower in, hygiene,” said Brown.
The USO is critical in supporting Americas troops. For 83 years the non-profit has been providing services, programs, and outreach including for about 250,000 military service members and their families.
“I have a lot of moms and dads that call and want to know if they’re okay, if they made it, if they’re being treated ok, and they’re missing them already,” said Jenny Colacino, USO volunteer.
She feels like she is the hug that you miss from grandma.
“I’ve met some of them that never have been anywhere except flying here to go into the military,” said Colacino.
She’s been a USO volunteer for 24 years and has no plans to retire.
“I’ve always said, 'oh, you’re going have to wheel me out of here,'” said Colacino.
She started with the USO when the airport hub was in baggage claim in Terminal 1 and has seen new trailblazers.
“I see these younger women who are going into the military now, a lot more are, they are just amazing,” said Colacino.
Originally female Marines went to Perris Island, SC, now more are being trained at MCRD in San Diego. As as part of the USO makeover, they added changing rooms for women.
“It’s a chance for them to relax, regroup, get in their uniforms,” said Charlene Downey Executive Director, USO California.
The first USO at the San Diego International Airport opened in 1990 and moved to the 10,000 square foot building near terminal 2 more than a decade ago and has become the largest USO airport hub in the country.
Now they have new flooring, paint, a homier lounge, and a game room.
“It’s a good remodel. They got like PS5’s, they got Nintendo Switch in there and I think an X-Box,”s aid Brown.
These men and women may have left home but for them the USO feels like home.
“Imagine if I had to rent a hotel or something. Because I don’t make much. But this really helps,” said Brown.
The USO says the center temporarily closed its doors in September 2023 to undergo renovations that also includes office spaces and a kitchen and dining area.
To contribute to the USO mission, learn more about volunteer opportunities, donations, to the USO Neil Ash Airport Center, click here.
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