Mitchell Intl. Airport to get its first USO Center for the Military | Community Spirit

A little more than two years have passed since the USO (United Service Organization) of Wisconsin began fielding the idea of a USO Center for traveling military at General Mitchell International Airport. Now the idea is set to become a reality.

The USO of Wisconsin and General Mitchell International Airport have agreed that an underused space in Concourse D will be the setting for the center.

“We are thrilled. This will be the first USO Center at the airport in all of Wisconsin,” said Candyce Hanus, executive director, USO of Wisconsin.

Design plans for the almost 800-square-foot area are underwritten by Plunkett Raysich Architects with construction contributed by Findorff. The center will include a reception desk and kitchenette, computer kiosks, television viewing area, and a private room.

Wisconsin National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Donald Grundy said that although Milwaukee itself is not a home base, there are about 25,000 military personnel in Wisconsin including Reserves, National Guard, Coast Guard, and those stationed at Ft. McCoy who benefit from the programs and services of the USO of Wisconsin.

“As you know, deployments of reserves and the Guard are becoming a more frequent occurrence. It’s important for soldiers and their families to have a place where they can say their good-byes privately,” Grundy said.

Grundy, president of the USO of Wisconsin Board, also pointed out that the Great Lakes Naval Station in Northern Illinois utilizes Mitchell Airport because of its convenience.

“Everybody realizes there is a need for an airport USO center,” he said. “We have received many comments from military personnel asking us where we are in the airport. It’s long overdue and I know it will be well received.”

Grundy and the USO worked with Airport Director Barry Bateman and his staff off and on for the past two years to find just the right location for the center. “Barry Bateman and the airport’s staff were gracious and helpful,” Grundy said, noting that it is important to have the lounge in a central location, such as Concourse D, for visibility and easy access to airport gates.

For the past two years during the two week holiday season, the USO of Wisconsin has set up a temporary lounge in the Milwaukee Room at the airport coinciding with Great Lakes Naval Station Holiday Exodus, where hundreds of military personnel get a two-week leave to visit family. “It was a very successful program,” Hanus said.

A ceremonial ground-breaking will be held in March to kick off the construction of the center. “This project would not be happening without Plunkett Raysich and Findorff,” said Grundy. “These guys really stepped up.”

Anyone interested in helping with in-kind or financial donations can contact Hanus at (414) 271-3133.

About the USO of Wisconsin

The USO of Wisconsin is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization. The mission of the USO is to enhance the quality of life of the U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families worldwide and to create a cooperative relationship between U.S. military communities and involved or supporting citizen communities through morale–boosting and support programs and services.

The USO of Wisconsin operates an office and canteen at the Milwaukee County War Memorial and has had a continuous presence in Wisconsin since 1943. It is solely supported by donations from private citizens, veterans’ organization, community organizations, corporate gifts, and foundation grants.

More information

• USOWisconsin.org