Albany International anticipates opening of the Capt. John J. McKenna Military Courtesy Room
The scene is familiar to all frequent flyers traveling military personnel stranded in airport lobbies, waiting for their next deployment. This situation is one that John McKenna of Clifton Park and Albany International Airport hope to change.
McKenna, whose son, Captain John J. McKenna IV, died while serving with the Marines in 2006, wanted to give back to the servicemen and women who depart and return through Albany Airport. Slated to open in mid-April, Albany Airport’s Capt. John J. McKenna Military Courtesy Room will offer a place for military personnel to relax while waiting for their flights.
We can do something to offer them a few minutes of rest and relaxation,` said McKenna. The room will provide a place for military personnel to wait for flights, relax, have computer and phone access, refreshments, and most importantly, escape from the chaos. The room will be staffed by community volunteers who will offer an inviting atmosphere and a well-deserved thank you.
`Most people don’t understand the sacrifice that not only {the soldiers} make, but their families make as well,` McKenna said.
The Military Courtesy room will depend on families and communities in order to operate. According to Joseph Pollicino, of Tri-County Council Vietnam Veterans, the project has involved about 80 volunteers. The Tri-County Council Vietnam Veterans serve as the `umbrella organization` which insures and sponsors the initiative. However, many local volunteer groups such as Blue and Gold Star Mothers and several American Legions as well as the Tri-County Council Vietnam Veterans will donate their time and effort. The volunteers will staff the room and have donated everything from electronics to furniture.
`It’s an awesome project,` said Kay Moody of Blue Star Mothers. Moody, whose son served in the Army, said that Albany Airport previously had less services for military personnel than most other airports, so the addition of the military courtesy room will be a much-needed change. Moody said she expects the room to be `a fantastic place for military to rest as they come through.` Volunteers will play an integral part in the room’s operation; offering a warm and inviting community atmosphere to the room’s patrons, and assistance with travel, as needed. The volunteers took part in a training course to prepare them for the upcoming opening of the room and their responsibilities. `The volunteers are very patriotic and appreciative Capital Region residents,` said Moody.
Capt. John J. McKenna IV, for whom the room was named, was called for service in February 2005 for deployment in Iraq. Capt. McKenna was killed in a sniper attack in Fallujah, Iraq while trying to drag an injured Marine to safety. McKenna received various military medals and awards, including: Silver Star, Purple Heart, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terror Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Medal. McKenna also served as a New York State Trooper, and during his employment in Troop G, he patrolled the Albany International Airport.
The room will occupy a space formerly used as an airport training room. Construction is underway, and will consist of the movement of one wall, and the installation of electric and plumbing fixtures. The project has been completely funded by donation. Monetary donations are still encouraged, as the room will depend on them to continue operation. Checks are accepted through the mail at 737 Albany Shaker Road, 12211. Visit www.jmckennamilitary
courtesyroom.org for information.
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