I got a call from Cliff about midnight last night, a very welcome but definitely unexpected treat. Turns out they had to wait most of the day to fly out and had only just arrived in Bangor, Maine.
While it was a surprise that he wasn't halfway across the world at that point, I was absolutely thrilled that they had a layover in Bangor. I read an article probably a couple of years ago about that airport and the Bangor volunteers. Ever since the war started in 2003, these incredible folks, many veterans themselves, have greeted and sent off every service member who passes through there, whether they're coming home or heading out, whether it's 12 noon or 12 midnight.
They pass out cell phones for the troops to use and that's how Cliff was calling me. It was such a huge gift and knowing that it came from people who don't have to do it but do it anyway made it even more special. Knowing that my husband was receiving applause and hugs and well-wishes before he flew off to a war zone is something that I won't soon forget.
Here are a couple of links to articles I found about this special group if you'd like to read more.
Please continue to keep Cliff and his unit in your prayers.
How Mainers greet troops: hugs, fudge and 41 cellphones (slow loading)
Maine Group Greets Troops
Mainetroopgreeters.com (I'm assuming this is an official site of this special group of volunteers)
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