The Dallas-Ft Worth (DFW) and the Atlanta (ATL) airports are the main civilian airport hubs for US troops transiting to and from Iraq and Afghanistan on leave or following their tours of duty. A little more than a year ago, I was one of those troops, and I have since returned to my normal (HA!) life. I remember semi sleep walking through the airport at DFW in my smelly uniform and my back pack kept awake only by the adrenalin of being "home" again. I was greeted by strangers as they passed. My hand was shaken countless times, and many "Thanks!" were expressed. I felt self-conscious in that I didn't really feel I'd done anything special or courageous - and yet maybe I had. At least to the people who said the thanks. I appreciated that, and it was nice to be welcomed home.
A couple weeks ago, I was again passing through DFW, and I noticed other troops coming or going to or from mid-tour leave (R&R) or rotating home. I observed that there didn't seem to be the enthusiasm from folks toward these guys and gals. I made it a point to step out of my path toward them, shake their hands, and say my own thanks and "Welcome Home" to them for their service.
It felt great for me to be on the "other" side of those handshakes.
As these conflicts continue. Let us not grow weary of saying "Thanks" to these fine people. Let us not grow complacent toward them when we pass ro forget that they have been in harm's way for us while we sleep well at night. When we have a "bad day" in our normal daily lives, let us not forget that their day was likely many times worse, and that it was a "bad day" on OUR behalf.
Regardless of whether or not you support our being in Iraq or in Afghanistan, or even in the Balkans as peace keepers, remember that our troops (and those of our coalition partners)are there because it is their duty to go regardless of their own views on the issue. We sleep well at night in large part because of what they do without our knowing it.
Lord thanks to them all, keep them safe, and bring them all home soon.
