My Adopted 'Home Town'

I love the DFW area, and Dallas/Ft.Worth loves the military. It is my honor to see the troops welcomed home at DFW Airport, where I work.

Heroes Receive Warm Welcome in Dallas
DALLAS, March 9, 2006 - More than 260 Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force servicemembers were treated to a special ‘welcome home’ in Texas from Gen. Richard A. Cody, vice chief of staff of the Army March 4. Cody joined airport staff and volunteers from the “Welcome Home a Hero” program at the Dallas / Fort Worth airport to greet the service members.

“America is behind you,” Cody said in an address to the troops. “I know how important that it is for you to know, and you are about to see exactly what I mean here at Dallas/Fort Worth.”But the preview from the vice chief of staff did little to prepare the troops for the welcome awaiting them outside the customs doors.

Hundreds of people, including Girl Scout troops, Vietnam Veterans of America chapters, senior citizens clubs and individuals wanting to give personal thanks to America’s returning troops lined the terminal exit and filled the airport with deafening cheers from the first service member to the last.“Wow,” said one young specialist from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “I’ve never seen anything like this. Thank you, all I can say is thank you.”

In comments later to the gathered crowd and reporters, Cody singled out one group of supporters.“I’d like to thank the Vietnam Veterans I see here today,” Cody said. “These troops are truly standing on your firm shoulders and it means a great deal to them to see you here today.”

“I didn’t have this when I came home,” said a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 920 out of Denton, Texas. “We are here every day to ensure these troops do. They don’t know it now, but in 30 years, their hearts and minds will often revisit this moment.”

Welcome home, General Cody and thank you for your service.

The Rest of the Story