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Lounge run by veteran volunteers opens at JIA to welcome active-duty service members

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A brand-new lounge has opened at the Jacksonville International Airport (JIA) to welcome active-duty service members.

The former office of the United Service Organizations (USO), located on the ground floor at JIA, is debuting its renovations.

“Everything that you see is brand new, everything!” said Mark VanLoh, CEO of Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA).

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Three weeks ago, the lounge didn’t exist. Now, there’s an office space and a living room area with a fireplace and a Christmas tree to welcome active-duty service members to take a moment to relax, and to connect them to any resources they may need.

Inside, you’ll find volunteers like Tom Meissgeier, President of the North Jacksonville Rotary Club.

“I’m retired Army,” he said. “I think most of these volunteers are retired Navy, but you gotta have an Army guy in there every now and then!” he joked.

From his six years in the Army, he can relate to the feeling of landing in a new town and even a new country.

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“I’ve been a junior soldier when you’re going through an airport, you’re not quite sure where to go, and what to do,” he recalled.

So, he wants other service members out there to know they’re safe here.

“When you walk by, you can say, ‘I’ve got a friend,’” he reassured.

And that friend will always have your back.

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“You’re here and you’re having this issue and you say, ‘You know what, young man or young lady, 40 years ago, I was in the same boat so I know how to help ya!’” Meissgeier emphasized.

“[The lounge will make servicemembers] feel like they’re welcomed, they’re appreciated, and they feel like they’re at home,” added VanLoh.

Right now, JAA could use more volunteers to help run the lounge.

If you’re currently in the military or you are a military veteran and would like to donate your time at the airport, you can call JAA at: 904-741-4902. Free parking at the airport is included.

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