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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.

Amen to that.

Cheers for that.

People have short attention spans. You'll also notice there's less "Support Our Troops" bumper stickers around than there were 2-3 years ago. I think a lot of this has to do with how little the average citizen's life is disrupted by this "war". There's really no sacrficies that have to made by your everyday civilian. There's no gas rationing or war bond drives, or anything else they have to deal with that reminds them of what's going on over there.

When I was flying thru ATL alot last year, I tried to acknowkedge and smile at the troops, or buy a beer at the bar. Still saddens me to think the loss is about 2500 lives currently. Our troops are the best.

Air Force father of two, Tom.

i 2nd that amen

Frank

Well said JB. We owe them a lot.

Very well written! Agree 100%. Unlike many neocon's opinions you are right on target. You don't have to support war to support the troops and the sacrifices they make.

Sometimes the best support is screaming to bring them out of harms way and back home to us.

Good words JB. Thanks for keeping them fresh.

I totaly agree!! I am still deployed, only 9 days untill I get to return home. This time however, I am in Southern Spain, so, as deployments go, it isn't a bad one. I have been to the "sand box" before. The one thing I like about this deployment, is I we are the last stop for the folks going home! It is great to help these guys get home.
On the occasions these big old birds break down, we feel bad for the troops trying to get home. If they make there way to the club, they can't pay for thier beer, we do. The least we can do for our breathern. As I said, I will be home next weekend, hopefully, then I will be done, my service to our great country will be at an end...

Later
Wendell

here-here!

VERY Well said, JB!

I hope those brave kids in Iraq, Afghanistan, or ANY soldiers whos tours of duty throughout this lousy world are coming to an end, will ALL receive that handshake at whatever airport they fly back into.

Cheers,
Dwight

Telling those who walk the line for us that they are appreciated reguardless of your political point of view is a must in these troubled times.

One more thing, before I deployed, if I went off base to Wal-mart or to a fast food joint to eat, and was in uniform, people would come up to me and thank me for my service. And I have to tell you, there ain't no better feeling than that... So to my fellow American's, thank you for you contiued support, it makes all the differance!
Wendell

Hey Wendell,

You wouldn't happen to be at Rota NAS in Spain? I spent almost 5 months there during Desert Storm when I was stationed at Dover. Hope you make it home soon.

My nephew survived Afghanistan 18 months ago. He was lucky. A Afghani dune bunny fired a rocket into their base camp from afar...a lucky shot that landed close to my nephews tent. His two bunkmates were both wounded, one seriously and the other minor. My nephew simply got covered with shaving cream when a piece of shrapnel exploded a can of it over his head. He was real happy to come home. He goes to Iraq this summer. To his credit I have not heard a word of complaint from him despite having to leave his young wife and two kids.

They are indeed worthy of the cause and for the most part are largely supportive of their commander in chief.

My newphew gets really mad when he hears all the crap they spew on CNN or MSNBC. I just tell him....tune that out and watch Fox News.

I ran one of the first SF A-Teams in Iraq, and then a year later went back to run the planning cell for all combined joint special opperations, this was in Bahgdad. Both times I came home I was met with open arms and warm reguards, and it was great and thank you US of A. Now I can't stop shaking hands with every guy I see with that yellow striped license plate that represents Vietnam veterans. If it wasn't for the tactics learned by these heros I wouldn't be alive today. I was trained in the 80's by Americas finest "The Vietnam Veteran". Thank you, and you still haven't recieved the praise you deserve.

Tony Foor
MSG US Army Special Forces

"RANGERS LEAD THE WAY"

I agree all the way. Even if we do not support the war or the reasons for it, we are all behind the heros that are fighting it. TR

JB-just posted your message to the Patriot Guard website forums-know those folks will appreciate your thoughts.

Well done and said JC. Also, thanks for your service.

Dave