Homecoming Report (Long)

Homecoming for the Troops



July 3rd there were about 280 troops coming into the DFW airport for 2 weeks
R&R. We got a decent size group to show up and welcome them home. Although
the sports bike rider club was the ones originally to start this ride, we
overwhelmingly out numbered that club and they were happy everyone that had
showed up.

Probably close somewhere around 75 to 100 bikes showed up. Not bad for just
1 week notice, a holiday weekend, and the Texas heat.



When I got there just around 8:15 the officer directing traffic pulled me
over. I'm thinking what did I do now and I did get all that stuff out of my
saddle bags didn't I? The officer said the parking lot was full. He told me
to pull into an angle and park along the street. So I got to be the first
bike parked along street side, but there were more to be parking there soon.



I was told the troops had already landed. We were told that they were going
thru customs. Remembering how the military customs works I was sure this was
going to be a really long wait. I sure it was to the troops. However by 9am
they were starting to come out.

We wound up splitting up into 3 different groups, just the way the airport
is setup. The first group was the people on the inside of the terminal until
that area was full. The second group was located just outside the terminal
and the third group was located in the parking area where the troops could
go and get some bar-b-que sandwiches and drink.

Consider these troops state of mind when they arrived. They've been on a
couple of long plane rides, from the middle-east to Ireland and then from
Ireland to the US. A few of these people are home in Texas, but others would
then be getting on connecting flights to home. So they are pretty tired at
this point and most would be in a zombie like state.

When they first came into the terminal area they are surprised by all the
clapping, cheering, hugs, handshakes, thank-you's, and pats on the backs
they could possibly get. You would see the surprise grow into some of the
biggest smiles you could ever see. Those that had loved ones at the airport
would meet them in the terminal. The stories from inside the terminal were
touching and brought tears to the eyes of many. Something you have to
experience and not just talk about.



Once they left the terminal area the troops probably thought that was it.
No, because we were outside the terminal and started the whole scene over
again as soon as they walked out. Again we saw those smiles. Those cheers,
hugs, handshakes, thanks-you's, and pats on the back started all over again.
If they would walk over to the parking area, then that group would start it
all over again.



When the last of the troops came through we all stood around for a while and
talked about what we saw. Some of the troops hung around and talked with us;
others went home or got on connecting flights.



A group of us made a stop at Wilhoite's in Grapevine for brunch and swap
stories. We all felt it was a good event and we want to do it again. Amazing
how such little time it takes and the good will it gives to make a day seem
worth while. Maybe one weekend soon I'll go up with just the boys so they
can also be there and see this. They give autograph cards to the kids so the
troops can sign the Autographs of Heroes.



Pictures are worth a thousand words, unless you're reading this and now it's
too late. Here are a couple of links to the pictures.



http://welcometroops.com/

http://www.rockalittle.com/troops//photos_july3_2005/photos_july3.htm



We spoke with one of the volunteers that work the Welcome home troops on a
regular basis. Troops come into one of two airports when re-entering the US,
the DFW airport or the Philadelphia airport. She said that the troops that
come into DFW are overwhelmed by the people welcoming them back. When they
go back they tell the others to come into the US by route of the DFW
airport. Apparently Texas now has a reputation / obligation to uphold for
our troops. Volunteers are always needed and troop arrivals happen quite
often. Donations of items are always needed and you can find the info at the
http://welcometroops.com/. If you just want to show up and welcome the
troops back there is a phone number to call and get a recorded message of
the next arriving flight (972-574-0392). If you want to plan for a group to
show up then call Christene Wheeler at 972-621-0400.



Now this last event was on very short notice. Even so we had a good turnout.
So the sports riders club felt this was such a great success they want to do
it again. This time they will do it on Labor Day weekend. So now we will
have plenty of time to let everyone know when it will be. We don't have the
exact date but the time will be 8am arrival till they are gone. With 280
troops they were all out by 10 am.



So plan on being there, lets really give our troops something to remember
and let them know that America does really care.

 

: Homecoming for the Troops



: July 3rd there were about 280 troops coming into the DFW airport for 2 weeks
: R&R. We got a decent size group to show up and welcome them home. Although
: the sports bike rider club was the ones originally to start this ride, we
: overwhelmingly out numbered that club and they were happy everyone that had
: showed up.

That was a really good thing to do. Thank you.

<snip a bit>

: We spoke with one of the volunteers that work the Welcome home troops on a
: regular basis. Troops come into one of two airports when re-entering the US,
: the DFW airport or the Philadelphia airport. She said that the troops that
: come into DFW are overwhelmed by the people welcoming them back. When they
: go back they tell the others to come into the US by route of the DFW
: airport. Apparently Texas now has a reputation / obligation to uphold for
: our troops. Volunteers are always needed and troop arrivals happen quite
: often. Donations of items are always needed and you can find the info at the
: http://welcometroops.com/. If you just want to show up and welcome the
: troops back there is a phone number to call and get a recorded message of
: the next arriving flight (972-574-0392). If you want to plan for a group to
: show up then call Christene Wheeler at 972-621-0400.

I will check it out, now that I'm working in Dallas, and see if I can't
greet one of the flights.

Must be a Texas thing. Here in Austin, a lot of soldiers fly in on their
way to Fort Hood. One time one of the troops asked the information desk
about a bus to the fort. He had about a 12 hour wait until the bus left.
Someone overheard his plight, and offered a ride, as they were going that
way anyway.

Now, the information booth folks just announce on the paging system tha a
soldier needs a ride to Fort Hood, and there has always been someone to
offer a ride. Several times, the offerer was going the other way, but
made a 180 mile detour to get the soldiers home.

God bless our troops, and God bless Texas.

 

You said it well, George.. I'm so sorry that I missed this homecoming
greeting for our true heroes and warriors.. I'll be sure to make the next
one.. See you there..

Bill Walker
Irving