ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- The next time you fly out of the Chicago-Rockford International Airport terminal you'll be reminded who helped make it happen.

An emotional reaction from Former Congressman Don Manzullo. The international terminal is now named after him. A special unveiling reception was held Tuesday night in his honor. Airport leaders say for twenty years, Mr. Manzullo secured federal funds that made such an airport expansion possible.

"We fought hard for an international terminal, I never thought it would be named after me. Never thought it would. How big of a fight was for you to get that. Oh, it was a war. You don't open up international terminals," Manzullo said.

Rockford is only one of three Illinois airports to have an international terminal.