{"id":7419,"date":"2017-07-05T09:12:58","date_gmt":"2017-07-05T13:12:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atl.com\/?p=7419"},"modified":"2017-07-06T09:24:17","modified_gmt":"2017-07-06T13:24:17","slug":"hartsfield-jackson-honors-usos-40th-anniversary-amid-star-spangled-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/hartsfield-jackson-honors-usos-40th-anniversary-amid-star-spangled-celebration\/","title":{"rendered":"Hartsfield-Jackson honors USO’s 40th anniversary amid star-spangled celebration"},"content":{"rendered":"
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At top, representatives of the Georgia Consular Corps provided floral arrangements and letters to mark Independence Day. Above left and right, Hartsfield-Jackson kicks off the third annual \u201cLife, Liberty and the Pursuit of Flying” campaign\u00a0with a\u00a0press conference in the Domestic Terminal atrium. Miss Black U.S. Ambassador 2014 Jazmine Scroggins\u00a0sings the\u00a0\u201cThe Star-Spangled Banner.\u201d The event also marked the USO’s 40th anniversary at ATL. \u00a9 2017 Decisive Moment Events<\/p><\/div>\n

By Anika Robertson
\nSenior Editor\/Assistant Public Relations Manager<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n

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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport saluted the United Service Organization\u2019s 40th anniversary at ATL as part of pre-Independence Day celebration at the world\u2019s busiest airport.<\/p>\n

A June 28 press conference in the Domestic Terminal atrium, one of three events held simultaneously, kicked off the Airport\u2019s third annual campaign called \u201cLife, Liberty and the Pursuit of Flying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Assistant General Manager of Public Safety and Security Richard Duncan praised the USO, which opened July 1, 1977, and was the first to set up a center inside a U.S. airport. Although it has grown in the 40 years since then, the USO\u2019s mission has remained the same, he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough times of peace and times of conflict, the USO at Hartsfield-Jackson has proudly served as a place of respite, where our brave men and women in uniform and their families are welcomed, respected and appreciated,\u201d Duncan told dozens of dignitaries and passengers amid a sea of stars and stripes.<\/p>\n

Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard, adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard, said he represents all service members \u201cwho benefit from the best USO in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

The USO Georgia is known for the men and women it serves, more than 10 million, from young enlistees to military families.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur most important thank you goes to the more than 1,000 USO volunteers who have served this USO so faithfully,\u201d Jarrard said. \u201cWithout their tireless efforts and passionate efforts, [the center] would be just another room in a building.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary Lou Austin, CEO and president of the USO Georgia, has been an integral part of the USO since it opened at Hartsfield-Jackson. She still runs the organization from its office on the third floor of the Domestic Terminal.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe plan to be around a long time always serving our mission to connect the men, women and families to our country,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

During the event, ATL volunteers distributed illuminated wands and patriotic sunglasses to travelers. Captain America and Wonder Woman added star power while posing for pictures with passengers.<\/p>\n

Festivities continued at the International Terminal, where the pre-Independence Day celebration had a global focus.<\/p>\n

Deputy General Manager Balram Bheodari welcomed members of the Georgia Consular Corps. The ceremony included representatives from Canada, Korea, India, Japan, Belgium, Nigeria, Haiti, Lithuania and Taiwan.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese members represent our region\u2019s global diversity and international focus,\u201d Bheodari said. \u201cThey\u2019re our partners in so many respects, helping develop and nurture cultural, commercial and scientific ties between this region and the area in which they serve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Members of the Consular Corps provided floral arrangements and presented Director of International Affairs Alrene Barr with letters congratulating the United States on its Independence Day. The floral arrangements will be displayed in the International Terminal throughout the week.<\/p>\n

On Concourse B, interim Deputy General Manager and CFO Greg Richardson said this weekend, the nation will enjoy fireworks, barbecues and picnics.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you celebrate,\u201d he added, \u201cwe ask that you please remember to pay tribute to our active military service members and distinguished veterans.\u201d<\/p>\n

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