Homecoming Report (Long)

Discussion in 'Texas Bikers' started by Elmer McKeegan, Jul 4, 2005.

  1. 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.
     
    Elmer McKeegan, Jul 4, 2005
    #1
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  2. : 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.
     
    George Pollard, Jul 4, 2005
    #2
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  3. Elmer McKeegan

    Bill Walker Guest

    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
     
    Bill Walker, Jul 4, 2005
    #3
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