Military air terminal sparkles with Waterford Crystal

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- --  The passenger terminal building on McGuire Air Force Base has an extra glow in the lobby a as 6-foot tall Waterford Crystal illuminated Christmas tree topped with a crystal star and an 8-foot long menorah with nine crystal candles grace the hall.

On behalf of Waterford Wedgwood USA and the USO the holiday gemstone display is available to the base populace for viewing now through January 3, 2008. Base members attended a formal lighting ceremony of the tree and menorah today.

"The association of the Waterford name with the USO underscores the significance of corporate support to the USO mission abroad," said DJ Stanhope, President of the USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey Inc. "Similarly, the mission of Liberty USO (of Philadelphia) in serving the military of this region, especially our mission to those who travel through this passenger terminal at McGuire Air Force Base, is completely dependent upon the support of the individuals and corporate support."

Custom-designed and crafted in hundreds of crystal pieces by Waterford artisans, the tree and menorah was created to bring holiday joy to military members and their families. Together the tree and menorah weigh more than 475 pounds and has enough crystal to make over 900 Waterford Crystal goblets, said Waterford representatives. The terminal is a major place of departure and reception of military members and their families from every branch of service, coming from and going to destinations supporting missions throughout the world, according to base leadership. Passenger terminal statistics record an average of 4,600 people pass through the main lobby each month.

"Waterford Crystal and the artisans responsible for the design and construction of the USO Tree and Menorah salute the sacrifices made by our military and their families and hope that these holiday icons bring some measure or pride and joy to all this season."

After the holidays, these future collector's items will be auctioned off, with all proceeds from the auction donated by Waterford to benefit the USO.