USO celebrates 40th anniversary at Hartsfield-Jackson

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — On Wednesday afternoon, military men and women got a special welcome at Atlanta’s airport.

Channel 2's Linda Stouffer was there as the United Service Organization celebrated its 40th anniversary at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

One family, the O’Neals had been traveling all night. The father is an on-duty army doctor and was glad for a little R&R at the USO.

“It’s such a huge blessing to have a place to come,” Mr. O’Neal, said.

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People like Major O’Neil tells his daughters it’s an honor to help other people and volunteers of the USO at Hartsfield-Jackson are celebrating 40 years of service.

In times of heavy deployment, volunteers led the warm welcome-homes at the top of the airport's escalator and more quietly, always provided an oasis on the upper floor.

Mary Lou Austin told Stouffer that she’s been on the front lines of the welcoming committee for every one of those 40 years.

The USO began service at the airport July 1, 1977 and was the first ever facility built as a component of an American airport.

Since then, the organization has provided support for more than 8 million active members of the military and their families as they traveled through Hartsfield-Jackson.

“It’s important because every day these young men and women leave their families to go protect our county,” Austin said. “They remember that love and support.”

Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard, Adjutant General and member of Georgia National Guard said “A lot of times, these are 18 to 19-year-old’s away from home for the first time. It proves to them somebody cares about them and appreciates what they’re doing serving our country.”

Hartsfield-Jackson is the world's most traveled and most efficient airport, serving more than 101 million passengers annually with nonstop service to more than 150 U.S. destinations and nearly 70 international destinations in more than 45 countries.

The airport’s direct economic impact on metro Atlanta’s economy contributes $34.8 billion with a total direct impact of $70.9 billion for the overall state of Georgia.

The airport is also the largest employer in Georgia with more than 63,000 employees.

Travelers are urged to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled domestic flight approaching the busy holiday weekend.

Cox Media Group