OREANDA-NEWS.  July 09, 2014. Last week, the USO of Illinois recognized representatives of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Chicago Fire Department (CFD) and Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) for their assistance in welcoming home active and fallen military personnel. The event was held in the Rotunda in Terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport.

On June 25, 2014, Chris Miller, Director of Center Operations and Volunteer Services and Center Director of the Naval Station Great Lakes, presented certificates of appreciation to: CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino and Managing Deputy Commissioner Joseph O'Connor Jr. on behalf of the CDA and CDA Security Section; CFD Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago on behalf of the CFD Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) Section; and CPD Superintendent Garry McCarthy on behalf of the CPD Airport Law Enforcement Section (ALES).  Commissioner Andolino, CDA Managing Deputy Commissioner O'Connor Jr., CFD District Chief Timothy Sampey and CPD ALES Commander Thomas Argenbright were in attendance to accept the awards for their respective departments.

Airport First Responders provide Honor Guards and security for those who serve, as well as water cannon salutes for incoming aircraft for fallen military personnel.

"On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, we sincerely appreciate this recognition from the USO of Illinois, one of our great partners at O'Hare and Midway," said Commissioner Andolino.  "It is our privilege to salute the brave men and women who serve and have served our country. I want to thank the USO for its work in providing a 'home away from home' for military personnel and their families traveling through Chicago 's airports."

There are two USO centers at O'Hare - one is located on the Mezzanine Level (pre-security) in Terminal 2 and the other is post-security on the Mezzanine Level in Terminal 3. The USO of Illinois center at Midway International is located past security near Concourse C.