Many soldiers like Cole Mount, always look forward to traveling back home for the holidays to spend time with loved ones, no matter the distance.

"Oh it's always great to go home,” said Cole Mount, a Fort Drum soldier. “I was really excited to see them again. It's been a couple months so it was great to get especially during the warm weather in Florida.  "

Long flights and travel plans can always be exhausting.  The newly renovated Military Lounge at Syracuse's Hancock International Airport makes traveling for military a lot easier.

"I remember when it was still downstairs,” said John Eberly, a member of the National Guard. “I actually have been in the military for 15 years now so I've used the USO at the Syracuse Airport many times traveling in and out."

The lounge features many ways for members of the military to relax, such as reclining chairs, snacks and entertainment available for soldiers waiting to board their flights.

"It's just a very welcome place to just sit and relax as you're traveling through," said Eberly.

The lounge brings a sense of community to the airport as veterans and soldiers bond through their shared experiences in the military.

"There will be other service members in here and I'll get to have a conversation or two,” said Mount. “That's always nice. Most of them are from Drum too.”