HEBRON, Ky. – Over 300 students at NKU (and veterans of the military themselves) rallied together to raise money to buy donations for the military lounge at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).
The presentation of the "Fill the Boot" campaign by these NKU students to CVG was Monday in Landrum Hall at NKU.
The Airport Board and Delta Air Lines opened a permanent military lounge in Concourse B in December 2008 to serve military personnel and their families as they travel through the airport.
Delta donated space and furnishings for the lounge. The room is operated as part of the airport board’s Volunteer Ambassador Program. Items are donated by many local churches and community groups.
The number of military personnel traveling through the airport has increased in recent years. The lounge gives military personnel and their families a quiet place to relax as they travel to and from their assignments.
“In past years we have operated the military lounge during the holidays. Our goal has always been to keep it open year-round. With Delta’s help and the support of our board, we are now able to do that,” said Holly Harvard, who oversees the airport’s Ambassador Program.
“The ambassadors who staff our information booths especially enjoy the chance to assist the men and women serving our country. The lounge is a great way to do that,” said Harvard.
Students from Phi Alpha Theta and Veterans for Education and Transit Support collected the goods in just a couple of weeks.
"As we were looking for something to do to honor veterans on veterans day, we thought this would be a good addition to the program in order to show veterans even the ones just passing through CVG on their way home that we are grateful for their service and the time they've put in for the rest of us," said Rusty Zimmerman with Phi Alpha Theta.
Since the program was such a success, the students plan to continue collecting donations.
If you would like to make a donation, contact student organizer Jeremy Lovell at jeremy.lovell@gmail.com.
The lounge is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. near gate B-27 and offers:
· Comfortable seating
· Computer and e-mail access
· Games and magazines
· Wide Screen TV
· Snacks/drinks
