We departed our mobilization training site late last night enroute to the middle east. Fortunately, we are travelling via charted commercial flight and NOT in the back of a military cargo jet.
After a short flight up the coast, we landed in Bangor, Maine to refuel for an hour or so before heading across the ocean. On landing in Bangor, we were treated to one of the most moving experiences I've had while in uniform.
We deplaned at around 1:00 in the morning. After a long walk down the jetway we were greeted by a group of about 30 local volunteers who were lined up to shake our hands and thank us for our service as we entered the terminal. They were a mix of old and young; our first greeter was a World War 2 but several others looked to be in their early 30s. They also took the time to chat with us a bit as we milled about the terminal looking for coffee or just taking a short break prior to the long trans-Atlantic flight ahead.
As we boarded the plane an hour or so later, the group lined up again to wish us well during our upcoming deployment.
I'm told that this is a well organized effort and that they always volunteers on hand to meet planes carrying soldiers--at any hour, day or night.
God bless the good people of Bangor, Maine. Your efforts mean more to us than you can possibly know.
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