In honor of a local man who was killed in action with the U.S. Marine Corps in Fallujah, Iraq, the Albany County Airport Authority will build a Military Courtesy Room at Albany International (ALB).
John McKenna, whose son, Capt. John McKenna IV of Clifton Park, died Aug. 16, 2006 when his unit came under sniper attack, initially proposed the idea. When the point man for his patrol was struck by a sniper’s bullet and lay wounded, McKenna ordered his men to throw smoke grenades around the injured man. McKenna began dragging him to safety when he was hit by sniper fire.
“The Captain John J. McKenna IV Military Courtesy Room will provide a place for traveling military personnel to rest and recreate as they await their flights and to assist them, where possible, with any difficulties in their travels,” says David E. Langdon, chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority.
The room had previously been used as an airport training room. All military personnel who visit the room will be offered light refreshments, snacks and a welcoming atmosphere, complete with cable television, DVD and video games, along with a telephone and Internet access. It will be staffed by volunteers.
Suggested donations include a DVD player with DVDs, video game unit with games, radio/CD player, refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker, recliner, folding chairs, toaster oven, notebook computer, cell phone, desk and vacuum cleaner.
