ONTARIO, Calif., Sept. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The newly
renovated Bob Hope USO at Ontario
International Airport was formally unveiled Friday and the Center
re-opened after its temporary closure due to COVID-19, offering
guests, dignitaries and servicemembers a first look at the
Southern California airport's
beautiful new home away from home for our troops.
A cornerstone of the USO center is the new Patriot Patio – a
labor of love for Eagle Scout and USO supporter Christian Thorpe, who in 2019 envisioned an
enhanced outdoor patio area for traveling military personnel.
Christian, the son of ONT Chief Executive Officer Mark Thorpe, raised a total of $7,500 in donations, and with the support of USO
Inland Empire Manager DJ Stanhope, San
Bernardino County Supervisor Curt
Hagman, the City of Ontario
and the Ontario International
Airport Authority (OIAA), was able to put his plan into action.
Marines and airmen from March Air Reserve Base pitched in to
repaint the center itself, move furniture and install
floorboards.
"We owe our servicemen and women such a debt of gratitude for
their sacrifice and courage, and hope that this new center will
provide a warm and welcoming experience during their travels," said
Wapner, who serves as president of the OIAA Board of Commissioners.
"We're extremely grateful for our partnership with the Bob Hope
USO, the support we've received from all of our volunteers and
donors, and, of course, to Christian, whose dream has now come
alive."
"Our USO Airport centers are one of the many ways the USO is
committed to supporting America's service members and their
families by keeping them connected to the people, places and values
they cherish," said Paul Estrada,
Bob Hope USO Board Chair and US Army Veteran. "We're thankful to
our partners at Ontario
International Airport, for helping the USO provide the over 25,000
men and women who put their lives on the line for us with a warm
welcome when they come home or pass through."
The Patriot Patio replaces the old outdoor seating area,
consisting of concrete benches dating back many years, with
new patio tables and umbrellas. Christian held a community
BBQ, raising the initial $7,500.
Hagman, the City of Ontario and
OIAA each contributed $5,000.
"Especially now, during the pandemic, having a safe, comfortable
outdoor space for our visiting servicemembers is so very important.
We are thrilled to be able to dedicate this beautifully refurbished
center, and to let our military heroes know how much we appreciate
them," said Hagman, who serves on the OIAA Board of
Commissioners.
"The Patriot Patio is a great example of the strong community in
Ontario," said DJ Stanhope, USO
Inland Empire Manager. "What started with one Eagle Scout
hoping to make a small, but important difference by adding tables
for our military to enjoy inspired a community of others and led to
the creation of an entire new patio area and the possibility for us
to serve many more troops even during this global pandemic."
About Ontario International
Airport
Ontario
International Airport (ONT) is the fastest growing airport in
the United States, according to
Global Traveler, a leading publication for frequent fliers. Located
in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of
downtown Los Angeles in the center
of Southern California. It is a
full-service airport which, before the coronavirus pandemic,
offered nonstop commercial jet service to 26 major airports in the
U.S., Mexico and Taiwan. More
information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow
@flyONT on Facebook, Twitter,
andInstagram
About the Ontario
International Airport Authority (OIAA)
The OIAA was formed
in August 2012 by a Joint Powers
Agreement between the City of
Ontario and the County of San
Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management,
operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the
Southern California economy and
the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA
Commissioners are Ontario City Council Member Alan D. Wapner
(President), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald
O. Loveridge (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member
Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), San Bernardino
County Supervisor Curt Hagman
(Commissioner) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).
About the USO:
The USO strengthens America's military
service members by keeping them connected to family, home and
country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of
locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our
service members and their families through countless acts of
caring, comfort and support. The USO is a private nonprofit
organization, not a government agency. Our programs and
entertainment tours are made possible by the American people,
support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our
volunteers and staff. To join us in this important mission, and to
learn more about the USO, visit USO.org or at Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram.
OIAA Media Contact:
Steve
Lambert, (909) 841-7527 slambert@flyontario.com
USO Media Contact:
Laura
Lanzi, (714) 343-5786 lauralanzi@theaceagency.com
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SOURCE Ontario International
Airport