Did You Know Tuesday

Did you know that for six years now (June '03) the Maine Troop Greeters have been welcoming our military troops as they are either heading to or returning from duty in Europe, including Afghanistan and Iraq?  With it's two mile long runway, Bangor International Airport serves as a fueling stop for these long distance flights so the troops are able to leave the planes.  When they do, they are greeted by the Troop Greeters.  Since the current conflict began in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2002, these dedicated folks have arrived at the airport at any time of day or night to welcome the troops and tell them "thanks" for the job they're doing and to let them know that they are being supported.  There's no politics behind this as members of all parties participate in this.  It's a way to show the troops that they are appreciated and not being forgotten.  The Greeters also provide cell phones that have been donated so they can call home while they wait and also provide snacks and lots of conversation.  Stephen King has shown up before to greet troops also.

This year (2009), the independent movie The Way We Get By was released, focusing on three of the Troop Greeters: Bill Knight (age 76), Joan Gaudet (75) and Jerry Mundy (73).  The director of the movie is an Old Town, Maine native (just a couple of miles up the road from Orono), Adam Gaudet, and it's Adam's mom in the movie.  Check out the trailer:

If this movie comes to your town, check it out.  You'll have to find it at the indie movie theaters, most likely.

And support our troops.  Hopefully, the mess of the Bush administration will be cleaned up soon so they can all come home.  Until that time comes, the Troop Greeters will be there to welcome them.

Here's another site that has some pictures of the troops at the airport.