Troops who have a layover or overnight delays at Jacksonville International (JAX) have a new place to rest.
A 500 sq. ft. quiet room was dedicated to the United Service Organization on Aug. 6, featuring nine recliners, tables and lamps; pillows, and blankets. Alarm clocks are also available.
“We have a lot of troops going overseas for sometimes a year at a time,” says John Shockley, Executive Director of the Greater Jacksonville USO. “This quiet room is also a perfect place for saying goodbye to family and a private place for families to welcome troops home as they return.”
The room is one of the first of its kind at airports nationwide and is on the first floor near baggage claim, next to jetBlue’s baggage handling department. Its renovation and outfitting was funded by Allied Veterans of the World and Affiliates Inc.
“We’re proud to provide the space to the USO in support of the military,” says Ernestine Moody-Robinson, interim executive director/CEO of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. “These men and women are the reason we are able to enjoy freedom in our country.”