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GUESTS June was a busy month as the Palm Springs USO supported 973 guests. Little did we know what was going to happen to us in July. With the holidays and a unit receiving leave prior to their deployment, we supported 1527 guests. At times, it was standing room only and the refrigerators and cupboards needed constant restocking to take care of all of the hungry members of the Armed Forces coming in and out. TRANSPORTATION Over the 4th of July period, the American Cab company provided rides, at no cost, to the troops going back to 29 Palms. The volunteers coordinated American Cab Company, the SOS Organization, car rentals and the Morongo Basin Transit bus to insure that everyone got back to 29 Palms safely and on time. SOS provided a continuous stream of volunteers to take passengers to 29 Palms. VOLUNTEERS New volunteer orientations are being held, as we get applicants, with the next one scheduled for October the 4th We now have 145 active volunteers but there are still openings on the schedule. Just call in and the volunteer on duty can tell you what is available. Because of the large number of troops coming through we like to have a minimum of two volunteers on each shift. THE CENTER The center was upgraded with a new reclining lounge that allows us to sleep three guests. The Airport upgrade is also helping us. The center has new ceiling tiles and is scheduled to be repainted and have all carpet replaced along with the rest of the terminal. We have also contracted for a monthly shampooing of our carpets to keep everything as fresh as possible New Vertical blinds were installed to insure privacy of our guests at night and to keep out the heat of day. Please do not push anything up against the blinds and be careful that the blinds are clear of obstructions prior to opening or closing them. EVENTS We had volunteers at the 4th of July POWER Baseball team event. They were out there telling everyone about what great things you volunteers do while passing out American Flags as well as accepting donations for the center. We also had representatives from the center attend a Cathedral City July 4th event as well as attending an Independence Day celebration at the Palm Desert Greens Women's Club. UPCOMING EVENTS The center will be painted soon and our carpet will be replaced. This is in conjunction with the rest of the terminal. We will be participating in the Airport Job Fair on September the 4th from 10 to 5. We are there to tell everyone about the center and to look for more volunteers. If you are interested in supporting this event, please let me know. VOLUNTEER INFORMATION Please review the volunteer task list on the bulletin board daily to insure that you have accomplished all tasks for your shift. They are constantly being revised as we find more items to support our guests. . Greg Peck Director Palm Springs USO |