The Gregory J. Harris Military Courtesy Room is the brain child of two local Veterans, Loren Davies and Leroy Bowen.  Loren, a Vietnam Era Marine and Leroy, a retired Sergeant First Class from the US Army, while employed together at Hancock International Airport had often commented on their regret at seeing the multitude of servicemen and women who often times would have to sleep on the airport floor or spend long hours waiting on flights.   They decided in early 2008 that they wanted to do something about it.  After a few months of talking with folks in the area and with the Commissioner of Aviation, Anthony Mancuso, the idea of a privately funded Military Room was born. 

After unanimous approval by the Common Council of the City of Syracuse in early July, the Gregory J. Harris Military Courtesy Room held its official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony hosted by Syracuse Mayor Matthew J. Driscoll and Commissioner Mancuso.  The ceremony was attended by well over 250 people who were exceedingly proud of such a unique and well-needed facility and has become a beacon of pride for local Veterans and military supporters.

The Military Courtesy Room is overseen by a staff of eight who are involved in the day to day operation of the facility.  Yet, at the heart of the Military Courtesy Room is a steadfast and dedicated team of some 75 volunteers who volunteer their personal time in four-hour shifts from 7 am until 2 am, 365 days a year.

The Military Courtesy Room is named after Marine Corporal Gregory J. Harris, a local Marine who was captured during the Vietnam War and is still unaccounted for.   Corporal Harris was a radio operator with the 3^rd Battalion, 11^th Marines deployed in South Vietnam at the Chu Lai Marine Airbase.   On June 12, 1966, Corporal Harris was part of an artillery advisory team on a South Vietnamese operation.  The advisory team was ambushed in Quang Ngai Province near Mo Duc and Corporal Harris was last seen being dragged away into the jungle by the enemy. 

The Family of Corporal Harris is extremely proud to have Greg’s name associated with such a facility and was very moved by the suggestion that the Military Courtesy Room bear his name.