Ontario, Calif. – October 12, 2026 -- Service members passing through Ontario International Airport (ONT) can get free meals, snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi and a quiet place to rest at the USO at ONT, which has now been operating for 20 years.
The center helps travelers with more than food and Wi-Fi
The USO at ONT was established to support service members on commercial and military flights between military installations, training exercises, deployments and homecomings. Besides entertainment and a place to rest, staff and volunteers assist with transportation, flight connections and other travel needs.
Anniversary event drew the public on October 8
The nonprofit marked its 20th anniversary with a public celebration on October 8. The event included a ceremony, facility tours and hot dogs served by USO volunteers, as they are for traveling service members and their families every day.
Visitor numbers nearly doubled in a year
The center served 21,879 people during its most recent year, nearly twice the number served the previous year.
Brandi Elias, USO Inland Empire Area Operations Manager and the mother of a service member, said many travelers cover long distances on demanding schedules. Volunteers, she said, meet each traveler where they are, whether by providing a meal, explaining orders, arranging transportation or offering a welcome after a long journey.
Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority, credited the volunteers, staff and community partners. He said the passenger experience is about more than terminals, flights and amenities.
Donations and a 5K fund daily operations
Donations, volunteers, community partnerships and fundraising events support the center's services. One of those events is ONT's annual 5K at the Runway, which raised $168,771 for the USO at ONT during its first four years.
The fifth annual 5K at the Runway is scheduled for February 6, 2027. Proceeds will support the USO's day-to-day operations.