There will soon be a place at Orlando International Airport to welcome active duty military personnel returning from war zones overseas.
USO Central Florida held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for a new welcome center for soldiers, veterans and their families.
USO Central Florida says 700,000 active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families are expected to travel through Orlando International Airport this year. That’s why they’re designing a USO Welcome Center that will cost more than $700,000. It will be a place for soldiers, veterans and their families to recharge after a day of traveling, or get prepared for a mission overseas.
"Because we travel a lot, usually they are far away places, so when we get to somewhere... you kind of look for a place to relax," said Maj. Jerry Mize, who has served in the Army for 24 years.
“Soldiers sometimes get short notices. They need to depart and be at a certain location within a very short time frame,” USO Central Florida Executive Director Peter Giusti said. “The welcome center helps them get things in order, be it where they’re going to go or their families when they depart.”
The new welcome center, located on the ground level of Terminal A, will have a state-of-the-art computer system, business center, living room, kids room, snack bar and a quiet room for those who need a nap.
“Often times where there are not welcome centers, you’ll find them in a corner on the floor resting, getting a couple hours of sleep, well the welcome center will help them maybe sleep a little bit better and a little bit more comfortable,” Giusti said.
The USO hopes it can help soldiers returning from a war zone transition into everyday life back home.
"Military life is rather stressful. You're on orders, you're curious about you next command, where you're going, what battles may you face in your career. And the USO is like being home," USO Central Florida Chair Elect Mark Perni said.
One staff member and 400 volunteers will run the new welcome center, which will open this summer.