Over the last couple of weeks, my wife and I have had a special honor. We go to Baltimore/Washington Int'l Airport and welcome troops back from overseas. This program is sponsored by the USO and is a fantastic experience.
There are 5 major points of entry: Maine, Baltimore; one down south and two out west. They are listed on the USO website. Many of these troops are catching connecting flights to their final destination, so if you live near a military installation, check with your local USO and go welcome them home! Make signs; wear something patriotic and take lots of Kleenex.
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Mark, This is Jean, Arts wife. I wanted to share our experience with you. Seabee son was to return from Afghanistan with NMCB133, and his wife told us that "he'd call her from Maine" (clue #1),,so we threw some stuff in a suitcase, and headed for a 6 hr. drive to Bangor. Thru the help of the Maine Greeters we could learn that a plane was coming in at about 6 a.m. and headed to Miss. (clue #2)... What a long night, and at 5 a..m. we headed to the airport. Mom actually had her camera in hand when they pointed out "There's their plane, now"... and 10 min. later........the most beautiful sea of "cammies" came toward us. Of course, I couldn't see a thing,,, just the thrill to know that they were safe on the ground and "almost home" was amazing. Tired face after face came thru the line... Art was "greeting" along with the MaineGreeters,,and passengers waiting for their planes!! All of a sudden I hear "MOM",,,and saw a path opening as my son came towards me.......... Later one of the Maine Greeters was laughing and said "They come home from war all in one piece, and we half expect you Mommas to break their ribs hugging them".............. Meeting my sons plane just once in 18 yrs. was the most awesome experience, and I can now check it off my "bucket list". Having him my arms, was just like the day he was born,,,,,,,, amazing and my heart was over full with such pride and love.
I hope more parents can experience this amazing event. It was an hour visit, and then they were off to all the loved ones waiting in Gulfport. In all of the excitement,,,"Pop" got so excited he took many pictures of 133,,but none of me seeing my son for the first time,,so I can't share them. =)
Oh how I wish we had an airport near us to participate more,,,but we do have our Patriot Guard rides,,and will definately do the welcome home rides!!!!
Thanks Art. Yes, Maine is one of the 5 entry points for the troops coming home. Maybe when the weather gets nicer, you can go one time, just for the experience!
Congratulations MarkM! We follow the Maine Greeters web site, but don't live close enough to be able to
go and be part of the group, espec with this years winter weather. It's wonderful what you do, to welcome
home the troops!
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I hope more parents can experience this amazing event. It was an hour visit, and then they were off to all the loved ones waiting in Gulfport. In all of the excitement,,,"Pop" got so excited he took many pictures of 133,,but none of me seeing my son for the first time,,so I can't share them. =)
Oh how I wish we had an airport near us to participate more,,,but we do have our Patriot Guard rides,,and will definately do the welcome home rides!!!!
go and be part of the group, espec with this years winter weather. It's wonderful what you do, to welcome
home the troops!