My Trip to Bangor

Bangor Maine. Home of Bangor International Airport. This airport has the distinction of having the longest runway in the east, possibly the country. Because of this, it is a favorite refueling stop for airline chartered to bring our troops back and forth across the pond, and into battle.

I just returned from a trip to Bangor, which for me is about a 3 1/2 hour ride. I went because my brother has returned from four months in Iraq. His plane arrived at 0320 hrs this morning, and I was there to spend the layover with him.

Let me try to convey the experience. First off, I was not alone in meeting his plane. I had the distinct privilege of meeting and spending some time with the Maine Troop Greeters. If you have not heard of these folks, they are an organization that dedicates themselves to meeting every single plane that lays-over there that has troops on it, whether they are coming or going, or whether there is one soldier or 300. They are fantastic people.

I arrived there a little early to find the terminal filled with a couple of hundred Marines headed for seven months in Iraq. It was a moving experience to see these men and women milling about with their laptops and Ipods. I didn't see one look of anxiety. Sure, some were talking on phones, some were laying by themselves. But not one looked afraid. I was amazed. And it didn't look like false bravado to me. These were men and women who were headed to do their jobs, and they all appeared to me to be totally dedicated to it.

After visiting with my brother, I waited around for awhile and met a plane load (305 soldiers) from the Army in from California, headed to Iraq. I stood in line and shook as many hands as I could. What amazed me the most was the number of men that I saw who appeared to be at least my age (35), who had one or two stripes. In other words, they had not been in all that long.

The whole experience was moving. If you ever get the chance, I would recommend doing this once at least. Spend some time at a terminal where soldiers are moving through. And check out the Maine Troop Greeters, and give them some support. They are amazing people.