USO at ONT celebrates 20 years of service to traveling military members and families

ONTARIO, Calif., Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ontario International Airport congratulates the USO at ONT on 20 years of offering comfort, connection and support to thousands of active-duty service members and their families traveling through the Inland Empire.

Established to support service members traveling on both commercial and military flights between military installations, training exercises, deployments and homecomings, the USO at ONT has become a trusted resource for military travelers. The center provides meals, snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, entertainment and a quiet place to rest, while staff and volunteers assist with transportation, flight connections and other travel needs.

The nonprofit organization's 20th anniversary was commemorated with a public celebration on October 8th that included a ceremony, tours of the facility and hot dogs served by USO volunteers, just as they are for traveling service members and their families every day.

"For 20 years, the USO at ONT has provided meaningful support to the men and women who serve our country and their families," said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. "This milestone reflects the dedication of the volunteers, staff and community partners who have created a welcoming place for service members during some of the most important transitions in their lives. Their work demonstrates that the passenger experience is about more than terminals, flights and amenities. It's also about making sure everyone who passes through our airport feels welcomed, respected and supported."

The USO at ONT served 21,879 people during its most recent year — nearly twice the number served the previous year.

"Many of the service members we welcome are traveling long distances and managing demanding schedules, so a friendly face and a comfortable place to pause can make a significant difference," said Brandi Elias, USO Inland Empire Area Operations Manager and the mother of a service member. "Our volunteers are committed to meeting each traveler where they are, whether that means providing a meal, helping them understand their orders, connecting them with transportation or simply offering a warm welcome after a long journey."

The organization's services are supported by donations, volunteers, community partnerships and fundraising events, including ONT's annual 5K at the Runway. During its first four years, the award-winning community event raised $168,771 for the USO at ONT. The fifth annual 5K at the Runway is coming February 6, 2027, with proceeds supporting the USO's day-to-day operations.

"We're grateful for the longstanding partnership between ONT and the USO, and for everyone who has helped make this center such a valuable resource over the past 20 years," Elkadi said. "On behalf of Ontario International Airport, congratulations to the USO at ONT on this important milestone. We appreciate everything the organization does for our military members and their families, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come."

About Ontario International Airport
Ranked as the second most popular mid-sized airport by J.D. Power, Ontario International Airport (ONT) serves more than 7 million passengers per year and offers nonstop service to more than two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. ONT is owned and operated by the Ontario International Airport Authority, a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and San Bernardino County. More information is available at flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X and Instagram.

OIAA Media Contact:
Steve Lambert
909-841-7527
[email protected]

SOURCE Ontario International Airport