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USO Rolls Out Red Carpet For Military At BNA

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Airport CEO Rob Wigington says the old military lounge was staffed by the airport. The new lounge is staffed by USO employees and the non-profit even pays rent. Credit: Blake Farmer

Airport CEO Rob Wigington says the old military lounge was staffed by the airport. The new lounge is staffed by USO employees and the non-profit even pays rent. Credit: Blake Farmer

Nashville International Airport is now home to an official USO lounge for traveling service members. Friday marks the opening of the facility, which has a full kitchen, leather couches and computers – all free for troops to use.

There are USO lounges in 27 states and 14 countries. Sgt. 1st Class Mark Ford of Nashville says they’re a sanctuary for soldiers.

“You can actually just sit down, relax, and just meditate and just think about what you’ve been through, what you’re getting ready to go to, or what you’re missing.”

The USO lounge is a big step up from the private room that the airport opened four years ago for service members.

Nashville International is the main airport used by troops stationed at Fort Campbell.

Filed Under: WPLN News

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Blake Farmer, Host, This Is Nashville

Blake Farmer is the host of “This Is Nashville,” the flagship weekday show of Nashville Public Radio. Previously, Blake spent 16 years at WPLN News, serving as host, editor and news director. Before a two-year radio hiatus with a Nashville-based healthcare company, Blake was one of the country’s most prolific healthcare audio journalists. He produced stories for both local and national programs, extending the reach of his reporting through a partnership with KFF Health News. Outside of work, Blake can be found running or biking on roads that other Nashvillians consider too busy for such activities. So far, he has always made it home to his wife of 20 years and two children.

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