by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
Two years ago on Veterans Day, an airport space was established for soldiers at Jacksonville International Airport. But before it even opened, United Services Organization Executive Director K.C. McCarthy said the organization had already outgrown the 300-square-foot Military Welcome Center.
Builder’s Care, a charity heavily supported by the Northeast Florida Builders Association, has stepped in to help expand the area.
Bill Wilson, executive director of Builders Care, said this was just the kind of project to fulfill NEFBA President Jerry Linder’s commitment to veterans — a commitment he made earlier this year when he became president of the builders association.
“These are real heroes who have paid the ultimate price so we can enjoy the freedom we have. We have to find a way as an association to help veterans,” Linder said when he took the position earlier this year.
Wilson has called the project “the president’s project.”
“It’s the right thing to do,” Wilson said. “(Our organization) is more than helping grandmas and kids. There’s lots we do for non-profits. If we can do a little construction, we enable the USO to continue its mission and ministry.”
Located on the first floor of the airport terminal near the baggage claim, the area serves as a “last taste of home,” according to McCarthy.
Builder’s Care will expand the space to 800 square feet with the ability to accommodate at least 24 military personnel. The total project is estimated to cost $50-60,000, and that includes furnishings, equipment and computers.
The Haskell Company designed the layout of the area, Judith Sisler-Johnston designed the interior of the facility and many members of the USO will help Builder’s Care with the project.
It’s the military men and women that actually do much of the work done through Builder’s Care.
“We just provide the sticks and bricks and the military provides the labor,” said Wilson.
“The USO has provided for Builders Care for years,” said McCarthy. “Part of our mission is giving back to the community. We facilitate military volunteerism because Builders Care is one of the primary outlet for us to do that.”