HARTSFIELD-JACKSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Atlanta, Ga. -- It was a free-for-all of food Dec. 12 at the official opening of the Delta Holiday Military Lounge on concourse B at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Servicemembers and their Family members, Delta Airlines employees and volunteers shared an abundance of donated food platters in celebration of the lounge's availability to traveling troops.
"Delta is a family dedicated to the women and men who give of themselves to protect and serve our country," said Amy Landon, volunteer and core team member at the lounge. "Being able to volunteer here and give a little back to those servicemembers who are traveling during the holiday season is a benefit for us."
Co-worker Ron Polizzi chimed in, "This lounge offers them a nice place to relax while they are waiting on a connecting flight."
This is the 39th year Delta Airlines has hosted the military lounge, said Gregory Kennedy, Delta's vice president of Atlanta Worldport, as he thanked the servicemembers for attending the grand opening ceremony. "We jump at the chance to help servicemembers and this is just a small token to thank them for their sacrifices and service."
During the 2007 holiday season, nearly 7,500 military personnel and their Families visited Delta's Military Lounge in Atlanta.
"I didn't know about the lounge until a fellow Marine mentioned it," explained Pfc Rozell Banks, a five-year Marine en route to his next duty station in Cherry Point, N.C. "This is a very good idea to have the lounge inside the security areas so we can relax without having to worry about leaving early enough to clear security again before I make my flight."
The Marine engine mechanic from Washington, D.C., also said he felt the staff of volunteers was excellent.
"I wasn't in here five minutes and everyone was offering me something to eat and drink, and I appreciate that hospitality. I guess this is one of the benefits of being in the military," he said.
The lounge will be open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. through Jan. 6, serving festive snacks and soft drinks with a side order of family movies and games.
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