U.S. flag
D/FW AIRPORT — You know the feeling — either as passenger or a family member.
It’s the excitement of walking off the plane and the anticipation of waiting for that special person to come around the corner.
At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, hundreds of volunteers perform that duty every day for military men and women they’ve never met as part of the Welcome Home a Hero project.
As of Tuesday, they have now made a lasting impression on more than one million people.
Each waits for just one of dozens of men and women stepping foot on American soil, back from war zones or other overseas outposts.
“You can see the smiles on many of their faces as they come through,” said volunteer Jerry Kasten. “Some of them are not smiling, I’m guessing because they’re thinking of their buddies who are not coming in with them… who are no longer alive.”
But Kasten and other volunteers make sure the returning service men and women know that Tuesday is a special day.
“This is our way of guaranteeing that today our soldiers get the proper welcome,” he said.
It is something that Kasen and fellow volunteer Tommy Davis didn’t get when they came home.
“It’s important to let them know that they’re appreciated and doing what they need to be doing,” Davis said.
Over six-and-a-half years, the greetings have now added up to one million… and counting.
“It’s real emotional for them,” Davis said. “I’ve seen some come through with tears in their eyes, and they can’t believe it when they come around the corner.”
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey was on hand for Tuesday’s ceremony.
Information from a report by SHELLY SLATER
Posted on January 11, 2011 at 4:58 PM
