BOSTON – The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) celebrated the opening of a new USO center inside Terminal C at Boston Logan International Airport with an event and ribbon cutting ceremony.

The USO has had an active presence at Boston Logan International Airport for over 30 years. Due to terminal construction and renovations at the airport, the USO center was relocated to a new, larger space designed specifically to accommodate the current needs of visiting troops.

“Massport has been a proud partner of the USO during the last 31 years at Logan Airport as it has delivered on its mission of providing a home-away-from-home for American’s Armed Forces personnel,” said Edward Freni, Director of Aviation at Massport. “We are proud to be able to provide the USO with this new, larger space as they continue their important work supporting our troops and their families.”

At nearly twice the size of the previous USO space at Logan Airport, the new center is approximately 1,400 square feet and offers a large seating and living room area as well as an expanded refreshment counter, luggage storage, and food and supplies. New amenities include a space for military families traveling with children, which includes hands-on activities, games, and reading materials, a recreational room where troops can play video games, board games, and card games, and a designated charging area for personal electronic devices.

“At this new USO center, you will get a glimpse of how today’s USO meets the changing needs of a changing military” said Dr. J.D. Crouch II, USO President and CEO. “Most important is that the extra space that will permit our dedicated USO of New England team to accommodate more troops and families at one time.”

“I’d like to express our deep appreciation to the entire Massport community, and all who were involved with this project for the tremendous amount of work, personal effort, and care that was given to create this new ‘home away from home’ for our troops and their families,” said Jean Mallon, Director of USO New England. “Your commitment to supporting those serving our country has been evident all along the way.”

The event featured a live performance of patriotic songs by the USO Show Troupe as well as remarks from Edward Freni, Massport’s Director of Aviation, Dr. J.D. Crouch II, USO President and CEO, Major General L. Scott Rice, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, Francisco Urena, Commissioner of Veteran Services for the City of Boston, and Jean Mallon, Director of USO of New England. During the ceremony, the USO recognized a local volunteer, Camille D’Argento, who has volunteered at the Logan Airport USO Center nearly every Saturday and Sunday for over 16 years. Camille was thanked and presented with flowers for her work greeting and offering hospitality and assistance to thousands of troops and their families as they traveled through the airport.

“As a Veteran who has utilized the services of various USO facilities around the world, I know how important the work of this organization is to service members and their families. No matter whether they are travelling around the country or around the world, the USO has always been there offering a place to rest and relax during their journey,” said Commissioner Francisco Urena of the City of Boston Department of Veteran Services. “That is why I am honored to be here today to help officially open this new USO facility here at Boston Logan International Airport. The City of Boston Department of Veteran Services looks forward to a continued strong relationship with the USO as we all honor and provide services to our service members and their families.”

“We are very excited about the USO’s new facility at Logan International Airport. This new facility will be where service men and women can make a last phone call home before departing for a military mission and also where they can make the first call home when they return," said Maj. Gen. L. Scott Rice, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard. “The USO has provided a tremendous service to our troops since 1941 and this new center displays the USO’s commitment to providing exceptional service well into the future. The National Guard’s motto is ‘Always ready, always there.’ This new facility displays the continued commitment by the USO who also live by these revered words.”

Massport presented the USO with a terrazzo (tile inlay) that was previously part of the floor at the entrance to the old USO location in Terminal C. The terrazzo is now affixed to the wall outside the entrance to the new USO center. A ribbon cutting ceremony then took place to commemorate the official opening of the new center and guests were invited inside to tour the space.

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About Massport

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. No state tax dollars are used to fund operations or capital improvements at Massport facilities. For more information please visit www.massport.com.

About the USO
The USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors, troops in transition and families of the fallen. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs and services 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, please visit uso.org

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