Residents of Maine have been welcoming troops home from the middle-east as they first touch down on U.S. soil at Bangor International Airport since early 2003. As of today, they’ve greeted just over 300,000 American men and women returning home from combat. The group of greeters meet every plane, no matter the time of day or night, with snacks, drinks, and warm hugs. The tradition began when planes filled with American G.I.s returned from the Gulf War in 1991, and resumed in 2003 as BIA again became the port of entry for returning troops.
The troop greeters, made up of local residents and veterans, began counting in 2003 the military flights they have welcomed from the current military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. With the 148 soldiers on Smith’s plane, the count came to 300,012.
The Maine Troop Greeters formed during the Gulf War in the early ’90s, welcoming American soldiers back from overseas. BIA has become a pivotal stopping point for many military flights, allowing planes to refuel and greeters to rejuvenate the spirits of America’s soldiers.
Greeters show up to welcome all soldiers, even in the middle of the night. A few dedicated greeters show up for almost all of the flights that pass through the airport.
I’m damn proud of the good folks of Maine. Believe it or not, that small act of appreciation goes a long way in a Soldier’s heart. Sgt Hook out.
Hotel Tango Black5.
Posted by Hook @ 2235 zulu | | Permalink
This post is filed under: Americana & Homecoming & Homefront
