It’s been several years, since 2011 to be exact, since Shari Ebaugh has spent Christmas with her brother. In fact, it’s been so long since she’s had the pleasure of seeing him face to face that it’s become painfully normal.

 

“It’s kind of sad with him being away for so many years now that I’m actually used to him being away,” said Ebaugh, who is the general manager of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Bridgeport. “At the same time, I know why he can’t be here and that’s because he’s in the military and he’s serving and protecting our country.”

 

This year, Ebaugh’s brother Ryan Winters will be in Germany for Christmas. Last year, he was in Turkey for the holidays.

 

While Ebaugh said it’s hard to deal without her sibling being around, she said she’s fortunate to be working for a company that allows her to do something that brings her spirits – as well as that of the entire staff – up for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

 

For the fourth straight year, or since it’s been open, the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport will be offering free rooms for active military members, retired and honorably discharged veterans. The rooms are available on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

 

“Our operating company, Double J Development, has been extremely gracious to veterans and those serving, which makes us all feel good this time of the year,” said Ebaugh. “I know it’s important to our owners who also have military service to their credit and the fact that each and every one of us either has a family member or a friend that has served.

 

“We’re willing to help anyone, including those that are friend or family to come with military ties to come and stay with us for not cost,” she continued. “Even if you’re not family by blood, if you’re in the military and you come here, you’re considered family.”

 

The only thing needed to secure the offer is to be able to have identification showing that the person booking the room is active military, retired or are an honorably discharged veteran. The really good news is that the company isn’t just offering the free nights in Harrison County. Double J, which has roughly a dozen hotels under its corporate umbrella, has been doing the program for 15 years.

 

“We have hotels in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and one in Maryland,” said Ebaugh. “If you call us, we can help you locate one that may be able to provide you with a free night or two over the holidays and it would be our pleasure to help you.”

 

Individuals can call 304-979-9022 to book locally or get assistance to book at other locations. Ebaugh said word has gotten out to those serving and they hope to have even more stay as their guest this coming Christmas.

 

“We had 15 military members stay with us last year,” she said. “It made us feel very good to be able to give back a little something considering the amount of time, effort and stress they deal with just due to the nature of their job and the fact they’re often away from families. This is the least we can do and we hope to help make their holiday less stressful and as enjoyable as possible.”

 

The Holiday Inn Express is located off the Jerry Dove Drive exit off of Interstate 79. It is situated in the White Oaks development.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured below is GM Shari Ebaugh, left, and Assistant GM Kayla Lasko.