An Airport Initiative, “Oops for Troops,” Could Grow Wings

Photo © Elliott Cowand Jr. | Dreamstime.com

This is the kind of travel-related initiative that could grow legs – or perhaps wings would be the more accurate term.

A new program at California's Ontario Airport, “OOPS to Help Our TROOPS,” allows airline passengers who are going through security screenings, and who have inadvertently packed items that can’t travel (like full-size bottles of sunscreen or shampoo) to place them in a special receptacle where they will be collected by USO volunteers for donation to service members.

Through the Toiletries for Troops program, a partnership between Ontario International Airport (ONT) and its USO, dedicated bins have been placed just outside TSA screening areas in both terminals.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 3-1-1 rule limits liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) per container, which must fit in a clear, one-quart-size bag. Each passenger is allowed only one of these quart-size bags.

Often, passengers don’t remember what they are packing, and it is only when they arrive at the airport that it becomes an issue. Typically, such items have to be thrown away at the airport, but at ONT, the innovative solution allows for less waste, less guilt on the part of travelers – and a far better outcome for the troops.

Heba Shanaa, Environmental Planner for the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), said the Toiletries for Troops program not only will support military members and veterans, but will reduce waste by repurposing toiletries that would otherwise go to local landfills.

“We hope Toiletries for Troops can help make passengers feel better about having to discard items, since they'll be contributing to the well-being of service members who have sacrificed so much for our country, while also protecting the planet,” Shanaa said.

Brandi Elias, USO Inland Empire Area Operations Manager, said the partnership with ONT is a natural fit.

“It offered a perfect solution to help meet an ongoing need: providing essential toiletries to the troops traveling through our Inland Empire USO locations.” 

Elias said toiletries are a frequent need for the troops her organization serves: “They’re often requested for care packages, and they’re especially helpful for service members returning from intense training exercises in our local desert areas, and deployment departures and arrivals. Providing these items allows us to support their well-being and comfort during transitions.” 

Items will be donated to Seeds of Hope for Veterans, a nonprofit co-founded by one of the Ontario area’s USO volunteers and his wife, Mike and Karen Rogel, to support local veterans.  

As the big summer travel season gets underway (ONT predicted it would handle 115,000 passengers over the Memorial Day weekend, 4.6% more than the 2024 holiday), it is likely the program will see plenty of activity.

Those interested in starting their own programs at local airports may wish to make outreach to the USO; the USO has more than 50 airport lounges located in the United States. These lounges provide support and comfort to service members and their families, offering amenities like free snacks, coffee, comfortable chairs and Wi-Fi.

Additionally, there are many programs nationwide that work to send material donations to troops.