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Sunday, July 29, 2007

Welcoming Home the troops at DFW Airport

This is a heartwarming video. Kleenex optional.

I seem to have missed this story, but Bert Brady was named ABC's Person of the Week, in February 2007, for his dedication to Dallas/Fort Worth's 'Welcome Home a Hero' programme. Brady, a 69 year old Vet, spent 300 days last year welcoming home the troops arriving at DFW Airport, because he believes it is important that our soldiers feel appreciated and proud of their service, unlike the hostile reception the Vietnam Vets received upon their return Stateside.

He's joined by many other people including other vets, business men and women, housewives and children, all there to make our troops feel loved and supported by handing out cookies, along with warm smiles, handshakes and hugs.

What a great idea! Too bad there aren't more programmes like this at every airport in the U.S.

12 comments:

Joecephus said...

I missed this too as except to watch Lost, I avoid ABC like the plague, its nice to see that they actually post stories like this on what passes for the news every once in a while.

Pat Jenkins said...

this is a good story, and let's hope this is happening in many more cities across america. on a side not what an embarrassment that those from the "unjust" war of vietnam have been treated like pariahs!!!!

Blazingcatfur said...

A good Idea!

Ottavio (Otto) Marasco said...

YES, a great idea it is, and very good for the immediate psychological wellbeing of the returning service men and woman. I find it perplexing that the state ie, Govermnent as in Pentagon, are not the instigators of such programmes. We're lucky to have the likes of Bert Brady around. We should all stop and consider what serving military personnel in Iraq witness and experience in war. I feel particularly sorry for nam vets. They got it hard both abroad and disgustingly, upon returning home. Australian veterans were also subject to unwelcome comments when returning home. Between 1962 and 1975 some 50,000 Australians, including ground troops, air force, navy ships and personnel, served alongside their American brothers and sisters Vietnam. The Vietnam veterans association of Australia's logo reads, "honor the dead but fight like hell for the living"... Something that should also apply to returning Iraqi vets...

Frasier said...

We need more people like this.I know about an organisation here in Georgia or amybe its a woman but they are at the airport to send off/greet soldiers.I would probably be weeping my guts out if I had that job.I get all teary eyed just looking at our boys and girls in army gear getting ready to leave.They look tough but you can sometimes see the lost child in thier demeanour.

Karen Townsend said...

There are several organizations in different cities here in Texas that do this welcoming of troops. DFW is a hub, though, so it is highlighted. Texas, as you probably know, has several bases and a high percentage of the military deployed overseas come from Texas bases.

I hope all returning soldiers feel welcomed home and appreciated.

Law and Order Teacher said...

When I returned home I was shocked when we were told not to wear our uniforms in the airport. I guess the short hair in the early 70s wasn't a tip-off. We thought what the hell is this all about? This guy deserves a medal. I'm glad that he cares enough to make sure that never happens to our military people ever again. They are after all us, aren't they? Thanks for the post. You do good work for a "somewhat-moderate Republican."

WomanHonorThyself said...

dang girl I did need Kleenex!..thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MUD said...

After a year in Nam, I came home in my uniform and not once did I ever receive one bad word. I guess I looked like one big bad sunburned som'bitch and they left me alone. I think the guys that fared worse after the war were the guys that did drugs before, during and after. The majority of us came home and went back to school, work, our families and what ever. When the Desert Storm Troops came home they invited us to march in their parade and the Viet Nam Vets were cheered by the crowds. We were given purple ribbons and stood our formation at the end of the Parade. Bunch of old farts but the smiles were miles wide. Thanks for all the good words about our guys, It seems there are just not enough people that realize that they are doing what they are ordered and doing it as well as they can. Argue policy if you care to but love the guys that are just doing their job. MUD

Dionne said...

I posted this awhile ago. It makes me cry every time I watch it. I still get people coming to my blog looking for the video.

The story is beyond heartwarming and needs to be posted often. I'm still shocked that ABC did the story.

Incognito said...

It is amazing,that ABC actually bothered to air something positive for a change.

And nice to see that people are finally seeing how important it is (after the Vietnam fiasco) to make sure our military are being treated with dignity and respect.

I'm not sure why they government doesn't institute some kind of programme, AIS, but they don't,as far as I know. And we are very grateful to the AUssies.... the only country that has fought alongside the U.S. in every war. Thank you!

That's great to hear they do it in Georgia, Poo. I probably wouldn't do too well either. I got teary just watching the video. But it's wonderful there are people willing to take the time to do it.

Wasn't aware of that Karen, thanks for the info!

:-) Thanks LAWand ORDER. I'm probably more conservative.. but do tend to be somewhat moderate for certain things. And that's so sad what they did to you guys! Thank you and MUD for your service!!

You're fortunate MUD, because I know a lot of people did, and not just the druggies.

I got weepy too, Dee. Hard not to.
God Bless 'em all!

Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poet said...

Gotta love those Texans!!