SPRING LAKE, Mich., Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A unique and innovative partnership with the USO of Illinois and the owners and executive management of the Grand Haven Spring Lake Holiday Inn has been formed to benefit military families.  Located in the southwest Michigan community, the full service hotel is now serving as a retreat and reunion location for United States servicemen and women and their families.

The USO began the affiliation by conducting a special online competition for the first family who received a getaway weekend for up to 20 people including children, accommodations, dinner and breakfast courtesy of the Holiday Inn.

According to Wiley Norden, Program Director for USO of Illinois, "The USO lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of the U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families and to create a cooperative relationship between U.S. military communities and involved or supporting civilian communities."

"Our partnership with the Grand Haven Spring Lake Holiday Inn is an extraordinary gift and an affirmation of how our American citizens value the service of our military. We are truly grateful for this generous program and look forward to awarding the next family weekend vacation in Michigan," continued Norden.

The first of six visits took place the last weekend of October when the selected group arrived for a  pre-Veteran's Day weekend together including an 8^th birthday celebration for the selected serviceman's son. During the visit, the military family was able to relax in the indoor pool, take a private guided tour of the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Grand Haven conducted by Petty Officer Charles Miller who provided a view of how the Coast Guard serves and protects citizens. The family enjoyed their private time together.

The family who won the first drawing is Heather Ann and SSgt Juan Lopez from the Great Lakes Naval Base. Serving America as a United States Marine, SSgt. Lopez had one tour in Iraq and is on active duty at this time.

"This is a partnership of the very best kind as we have involved our entire staff. We all want to thank our troops for their service, for their dedication, their sacrifices and commitment to our country and its citizens. This is just a small token of our appreciation for those who put themselves in harm's way for us," said April Schmidt, hotel General Manager.

"It is equally important to thank the USO for its time-honored work with the military and its wonderful support of our initiatives here at the Holiday Inn in Spring Lake. We are truly proud of our staff, each of whom has taken a special role in welcoming SSgt Lopez and his extended family, continued Schmidt. " We now look forward to our next visitors and to the special joys of sharing our appreciation and hospitality."

Located on the banks of the Grand River, the full service waterfront Grand Haven Spring Lake Holiday Inn is a favorite for business and leisure visitors to the Grand Haven area. The all new non-smoking rooms feature updated decor and bedding, television with cable; complimentary WI-FI Internet access and full amenities including an indoor pool to make each guest's stay convenient and comfortable. The award-winning Jack's Restaurant is an ideal site for relaxation and good food.

For additional information concerning the  Waterfront Grand Haven Spring Lake Holiday Inn, hotel reservations, dining arrangements and private consultant with the catering/special event director, please contact  Events Coordinator, Molly Tuma, at (616) 846-1000 extension 640.  More information about  Grand Haven Spring Lake Holiday Inn features, special events, reservations, area  attractions and virtual tour of the property are on the website at www.higrandhaven.com.

SOURCE Grand Haven Spring Lake Holiday Inn