An organization could be flying into the capital city and bringing business with it. Officials are hoping to turn Columbia Metropolitan Airport's new armed forces lounge into a United Service Organization, better known as USO.
USO's deliver unique services to American troops and their families all over the world. Because South Carolina has a large military population, some think a USO in Columbia will bring international recognition to the area.
Carol Davis spends most days volunteering at the airport's new army lounge. It's a place she says stays very busy. Davis is one of several volunteers who try to make traveling troops and their families as comfortable as possible.
"It's a place to come home while on your travels," says Davis.
Soldiers can snack, use the internet, watch TV, or just relax while waiting on flights. Davis says it offers military families a more private place to welcome home their hero, or to say goodbye.
Sgt. Bradley Sperling helped get the lounge up and running. So far he says there's been a good response; but things could get better if the lounge becomes a USO. Sperling says that would bring jobs, events and credibility to an area filled with military.
Sgt. first class Fred Cohen has been in USO's all over the world. One of those USO's put the New York native up when his flight home was delayed.
"They gave me a cot to sleep on, fed me for two days, basically took care of me," says Cohen.
Davis says, "There's little we can do for our servicemen to let them know that we care and to thank them for what they're doing for us. It's our way of giving back."
Both Davis and Sperling hope this lounge can turn into something more. They have applied to become a USO. WACH FOX NEWS will continue to follow this and let you know what happens.
If you want to volunteer of find out more about Columbia Metropolitan Airports Armed Forces Lounge call 803-822-7953.
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