Proud to be a member of the America Supports
You Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2005
Contact: Lisa Frederick, USO-Metro
(703) 696-3278
Lisa.Frederick@fmmc.army.mil
USO Lounge at BWI Honored with Governor’s Volunteer Award
Baltimore, MD- The USO International Gateway Lounge at BWI Airport was honored at the 22nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony in April. The annual ceremony, which took place at the Maryland Hall for Creative Arts in Annapolis, recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations for their selfless volunteer service to the Maryland area. The First Lady of Maryland, Mrs. Kendel Ehrlich, presented the awards to the recipients and paused to take pictures with the honorees. USO volunteers attended the ceremony and accepted the award for the Lounge.
The USO Lounge received a 2005 "Special Recognition" for the outstanding services it provides at the BWI Airport. Nominated by the Maryland Aviation Administration, the USO Lounge was honored for providing a "home away from home" for military personnel traveling through BWI Airport. All services at the Lounge are complimentary to active duty military personnel, retirees, reservists, members of the National Guard, and their dependents.
The USO International Gateway Lounge is a 5,000 square-foot facility that opened in December of 1999. The Lounge is among the largest USO facilities in the world and one of the busiest. It is considered the flagship of the entire USO organization. The USO Lounge is staffed by about 150 dedicated volunteers, who donate 16,000 hours of their time annually to the USO and to the troops. A friendly USO volunteer is always on hand to offer information, a warm smile, or a cup of coffee. Amenities include a TV lounge, a technology center with Internet access and e-mail available for guests, complimentary snacks and beverages, and a comfortable sleeping room. Baggage storage, restrooms with changing tables and a nursery outfitted with cribs, high chairs and toys are also available. Additional conveniences offered include pay phones, airport courtesy phones, flight information display and complimentary office services such as photocopying and faxing. Corporate sponsors of the USO Lounge at BWI Airport include Microsoft, MCI & Lockheed Martin and Pentagon Federal Credit Union.
About USO-Metro
The USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is "to serve those who serve...and their families: from Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD to Richmond, VA. The USO of Metropolitan Washington receives no federal, state or local funding. The generous support of the local community and businesses enables us to provide many free services to the military to enhance their quality of life. On a daily basis, USO Metro provides vital human services and programs, such as emergency housing, food assistance, hospital visits, and information programs.
