Volunteer Jerry Lujan, SaddleBrooke resident, OTG Manager Doug Benz, Ricky Aceda, OTG and SaddleBrooke resident, Volunteer Alyce Holbrook
Jerry Lujan
I recently interviewed Director of On the Go Management (OTG) Doug Benz and Terminal Manager Ricky Acedo. OTG is one of the sixteen organizations that support the Military Liaison Office (MLO) at the Tucson Airport.
OTG Management, I found out, is the organization overseeing the sixteen food facilities at the airport. You might have read a recent article about their donating two futons for the MLO. What makes OTG different from the other organizations is that they support the MLO despite the fact that the soldiers who use the MLO probably don’t frequent the OTG’s food facilities because snacks, sodas, etc. are found in the MLO. I find this support to be totally unselfish and very patriotic.
In a recent brainstorming session with more than a dozen Airport Ambassadors, it was recommended that the aging refrigerator/freezer be replaced. Dee Brunner, who among her other duties, is the Terminal Properties Coordinator and as such liaisons with OTG, passed this recommendation on to Doug who in turn passed the idea to one of his suppliers – Pepsi – and Pepsi donated a nice soda cooler just like those found in supermarkets in Tucson.
Doug said that OTG manages the food facilities at the airport with 140 to 170 employees. OTG also adds to the economic impact in Tucson by purchasing supplies from local markets saying that ensures the freshest items being used. He also said that Omar Hureta, lately of Wildflower Restaurant, is the new chef, having food control over all of the shops. Their plans for improvement include the use of I Pads to order food.
OTG fits into the family atmosphere of Tucson’s airport which was recently named No. 5 in small-hub airports in the U.S.
I know that the airport may be a long way to drive for a good meal but The Sports Grill and the Sky Asian Bistro are worth it. The next time you fly out of Tucson be sure to stop by to check the local beers and food selections.
While you are at the airport go down to the baggage level and check out the MLO with its new soda cooler and new sofas. Don’t overlook the white Donation Box.
By the way, OTG operates in seven other airports. Those are New York City, Boston, Washington D.C., Orlando, Philadelphia, Chicago, Minneapolis and Toronto. Check out Tucson’s at http://www.otgmanagement.com/experiences.html. I’m sure you will be as impressed as I was.
Several SaddleBrooke residents volunteer at the MLO. It is their way to say “thank you for your service” and to support the MLO. Why don’t you become a volunteer? It is easy to do and you can set your own schedule; contact Dee Brunner at 520-573-8374.