Renovated Military Welcome Center at ECP airport greets service members
PANAMA CITY — Military members can now enjoy a newly refreshed hub while waiting at the airport.
The Rotary Club of Lynn Haven held a grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony Friday for the renovated Military Welcome Center at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), 6300 W. Bay Parkway.
"The airport is so proud we can welcome our military to the new center. We're so thankful for everyone that has contributed to making this happen," said Holly Melzer, chairperson of ECP's Board of Directors. "We're happy to have a continuous military presence at our airport and in our community."
'Exciting time at ECP': Holly Melzer is making history on Bay airport's board of directors
Bay County airport officials aren't worried about a dip in passenger numbers
Since its opening nearly 11 years ago, the Military Welcome Center has provided a "home away from home" for active duty, retired military personnel and Department of Defense employees. It offers a quiet place for military members to relax while waiting for a flight or a ride home.
The new center is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and offers snacks, drinks, television, internet access, Wi-Fi and a children's play area. Additionally, it provides a variety of services to travelers and guests at the airport.
The Military Welcome Center is run by volunteers and donations. The Rotary Club of Lynn Haven is one of several groups dedicated to supporting the center by regularly volunteering to greet and assist visitors.
Angela Klopf, executive director at Habitat for Humanity of Bay County and grants chair of the Rotary Club, said there was a need for renovations at the center and a grant through Rotary International District 6940 helped make it happen.
"The new center is much more inviting and relaxing than it was before, so I think they would be very appreciative of that," Klopf said. "The center is completely volunteer-based, and it exists today because the community comes together to take care of our military."
Community groups and individuals also assisted with contributions, raising more than $12,000 for the new center. In addition to the Rotary International District 6940, donors included Tyndall Spouses Club, St. Joe Community Foundation, Military Media, Rotary Club of Panama City and private donors.
"The military has given back to our community in so many ways, so that's why it's important that we support them, too," Klopf said. "And it's so amazing that we were able to raise over $12,000 through our community to build a new welcome center."
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Military Welcome Center at ECP renovated, reopened for service members
