Not Ranked
I recently returned from Iraq (21 April – third trip) and flew into DFW on the R&R bird. As we taxied toward the parking ramp, the pilot came on the ICS and warned us to not be alarmed by the crash rescue trucks shadowing us on either side of the aircraft…They were there to welcome us home. Just before we turned off of one taxiway onto another, the trucks sped ahead and parked. As we passed by the trucks, they shot their water cannons over the plane as a sign of respect!
As touching as that was, the people of Texas were not finished with us yet…As we made our way down the Jetway, we could see people in the terminal waving at us. Of course we had to clear customs before entering the main terminal. The military liaison meeting our flight asked for all of the passengers of a certain rank and above to move to a separate line to clear customs. I was in that group behind two colonels. Once through customs, the colonels waited at the door to the main terminal as I walked through. What greeted me on the other side was unlike anything I had ever experienced!
There must have been 500 people lining both sides of the small hall we had to go through to get to the door where the buses were waiting for us. These folks were five to six people deep on both sides, most of them waving flags and all of them cheering and clapping! I can’t remember how many hands I shook, or how many folks thanked me for serving. I do remember one young boy asking for my autograph! Of course I felt silly, but I did give it to him. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed!
I later found out that there are a group of folks at DFW and the surrounding communities that meet EVERY returning R&R flight. That, my friends is what we are fighting for! It is for the people of this great country! I was honored to be a small part of it.
As I think back over 34 years of military and government service, I call recall only one other time I had a reception anywhere near the one at DFW. That was near the end of Desert Storm. I had to rush to make a commercial flight, after getting off of a C5 in Florida. I was still in uniform and looked like crap after flying for three days. The plane was about to be pushed back from the gate, but they held it for me. I know most people were probably upset, sitting there at the gate, waiting for some unknown delay…I was greeted at the door by the purser and as I made my way to my seat, the entire plane erupted into applause! I was embarrassed by the attention and at the same time, very proud to be wearing the uniform so many before me had worn into combat, but did not receive the welcome they deserved. I thought of all of them at that moment.
I think it is great that the people on this forum take the time out of their busy lives to remember our sons and daughters in harms way. I know everyone does what they can in their own way to honor those protecting our freedom and way of life. Some of you have provided your cars for our heroes to ride in during parades and such. Others visit our wounded in hospital, still others send care packages overseas. I know many support the families that are left behind by helping out around the house, cutting grass, or doing odd jobs that are normally taken care of by the deployed service member. Believe me, it is ALL appreciated by the folks in harms way.
I know this is a VERY long post. I have been watching and reading this thread since it started and had to tell this story. Thanks for listening. And thanks to all who have served and those still serving!
Gun Doc
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