ONTARIO - Standing inside the USO of L.A./Ontario International Airport, Sandi Moreno shed some tears as she hugged Debi Cagle on Monday morning. It wasn't your typical tearful reunion at the airport; it was actually the first time the two women had met.  Moreno was moved to tears as she expressed her thanks to Cagle for her contribution to the center.  Just a few minutes before, Cagle had showed up with her delivery truck to drop off a new washer and dryer. Cagle, owner of Cagles Appliance Center in Ontario, donated the appliances.

"It is always better to give than receive, and my dad always ran the business that way," said Cagle.

The donation was made possible through the assistance of the local Ontario Parkway Kiwanis Club. Moreno, business development director of the USO, said she was approached by Kiwanis members last week about helping the center.  The washer and dryer were among her requests, she said.  Moreno said she was speechless when she received the call telling her that Cagles was donating the appliances.

Monday's delivery was a welcome treat for the USO at Ontario, Moreno said.  Troops traveling through the airport can use any of the services or amenities at no cost.  "Anything we can do to make it better for them is our No. 1 priority," Moreno said. "If we can make their lives easier, then that's exactly what we want to do."

The center is chartered by the government but does not receive any government funding. All the funding comes through donations, she said.  The center, which will celebrate its two-year anniversary later this month, is in the process of renovating its storage area into a shower and bathroom for the troops.  The new showers and sleeping area will occupy what once was the Pizza Hut stand at the old terminal. The room will have 60 sleeping cots.

The need to add showers, restrooms and cots came from several reasons including the increased traffic at the center. Also, many of the troops are left waiting for early morning or late-night flights with not enough places to stay.  The center hosts 100 to 350 troops a week, Moreno said.  The new appliances will play a larger role by the end of next year when the center is expected to be operating round the clock, Moreno said.

Cagle said she has always prided herself in giving back to the community and was very appreciative of the warm reception she received from Moreno.

"My dad was a member of Kiwanis, and I know he would have done the same," she said.

To donate to the USO contact Sandi Moreno at (909) 390-4274.