Petaluma, CA–Panamax has donated several power conditioners to the United Service Organization (USO) of North Carolina Center at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The center, which hosted a grand opening on September 15, serves active-duty military, National Guard personnel, reservist, retirees, and their dependants, who travel to, from, and through CLT, and it offers troops a full complement of services including a cyber caf with free Internet service, electronic gaming stations, and a family area. More than 2,600 troops have taken advantage of the new center since its doors opened on September 1, and it is expected to welcome up to 18,000 troops through December 2006.
“We envisioned this place as a ‘home away from home’ for military personnel reporting to duty or coming home,” said retired United States Navy Captain and director of the Charlotte USO Center Jack Ahart. “It makes your heart feel good to see the troops coming in and out and being able to relax. Panamax has provided an invaluable contribution to our center.”
Systems integrator Jim Ball of Audio Video Concepts installed 14 Panamax power conditioners throughout the 2,350-square-foot facility, and they include a MFP500-EX, which cleans power for plasma, LCD, and DLP HDTVs; a M5300-EX, which improves picture quality and sound; a M8C-EX noise filtration and surge protector for home theater systems; and a MAX 2 Coax (M2C), which gives space-saving protection for TVs, VCRs, and cable modems.
The power management system was set up in all compartments of the center, including the computer room, the game-station room, the children’s play area, which features a combination TV/DVD player, and in the entertainment room, where a 50-inch plasma television and DVD player allow service members to watch high definition movies and television.
“It’s a privilege for Panamax to donate this equipment to the USO in Charlotte,” said Dave Keller, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Panamax and Furman. “It’s a place for the men and women in our armed forces to have a moment of respite, which they have certainly earned through their commitment to this country.”
The USO was organized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 as a way to provide comfort to service members on duty during wartime through concerts and other events. USO offices were formed throughout the United States to provide way-stations for those on active duty, National Guard personnel, reservists, retirees, and their family members. Although the Charlotte USO Center is affiliated with the USO worldwide headquarters, it receives its funding solely through donations from the local community and is staffed mainly by volunteers. In addition to entertainment equipment, it offers complimentary refreshments, a library, and theater-style chairs where those awaiting flights can recline or sleep until their flights arrive.
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