Airport opens new military comfort center

  • Published
  • By Allegheny County Airport Authority Public Affairs
The Allegheny County Airport Authority and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato officially opened the Military & Family Courtesy Center at Pittsburgh International Airport during a ceremony held at the airport November 18. 

This new customer service program for members of the military and their families is part of the volunteer AirportAmbassadors program. "We have many members of the military coming and going at Pittsburgh International Airport. This room will become an important asset for them in their travels. I commend the Airport Ambassadors for initiating this idea and working with the Airport Authority to see the dream become a reality," said Bradley D. Penrod, executive director of the Allegheny County Airport Authority.

 The Military & Family Courtesy Center, located just past Gate A4 in the airside terminal of Pittsburgh International Airport, provides work stations, a spot to watch television, and an area to spend time with family and some light snacks and beverages for military personnel. The Center is currently staffed through the volunteer Airport Ambassadors Program. The Ambassador Program at Pittsburgh International Airport trains andAirport opens new military comfort center schedules volunteers to greet passengers and help them navigate through the airport.

 "Soldiers traveling through Pittsburgh International Airport now have a special room to pass the time while waiting for rides and flights," said Onorato. "The best part is there will always be a welcoming smile and an out-stretched hand. Our volunteer Airport Ambassadors are here to greet and serve the servicemen and women who stop by." The Airport Ambassadors Program has been in operation since 2001 and
has about 70 volunteers. 

The Allegheny County Airport Authority furnished and remodeled the existing space while Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Pittsburgh loaned the Center artwork for the walls and Allegheny County Veterans Services is providing information on various services and programs available to military personnel and their families. "The airport saw a need based on today's military airport traffic and they've delivered in a big way," said Col. Gordon H. Elwell, Jr., 911th Airlift Wing Commander.