Posted on 05/20/2005 8:38:43 PM PDT by AZHua87
USAREUR Public Affairs News Release
Texas-size salute greets USAREUR Soldiers on R&R
Story by 1st. Lt. Alisha Ramsey, 440th Signal Battalion
As members of the 578th Signal Company, who had been serving in Iraq, arrived for R&R in Texas recently, they were greeted with a 'Water Salute.' The unit, stationed in Darmstadt, Germany, deployed to Iraq in January '05 and is scheduled to redeploy in December.
DALLAS, Texas - Two fire engines came screaming down the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport runway, with sirens blaring, heading straight toward a plane full of Soldiers that just arrived from Kuwait International Airport.
“The flight attendant announced we were stopping to wait for some equipment, that’s when we heard the sirens,” said Staff Sgt. Donald A. Friedly, a 578th Signal Company satellite communications team chief. “No one knew what was going on.”
What the Soldiers didn’t know was they were about to experience what Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Airport Fire and Rescue teams call, a ‘Water Salute,’ to honor troops coming home on R&R leave from Iraq. Water turrets on the fire engines shoot water arcs -1,500 gallons of water per minute - into the air. The aircraft then taxis under the arc.
“I didn’t expect such a welcome,” said Pfc. Heather England, a 578th Signal Company satellite communications operator. “Soldiers aboard the plane got a bit choked up as they watched the water splash on the plane’s windows,” she said.
Security guards held back hundreds of clapping and screaming Texas residents that cheered-on the 200 Soldiers as they entered the air terminal.
“As we entered ‘the gauntlet’ at the airport, rows of people kept trying to touch us, get us to sign cards and talk to us," England said.
“I was offered everything from free beer to cigarettes, sodas and cell phone usage as I walked down the airport,” Friedly said.
“An older lady asked me if I had any children,” Friedly said. “When I told her I had a girl, she took me by the arm and directed me to a group of volunteers sitting at the end of the corridor. They handed me a pink teddy bear, some candy and a bouquet of flowers for my wife. I was overwhelmed by the kindness of so many strangers,” Friedly said.
Every Soldier that arrived on that flight had a civilian escort to their continuing flight to help pull them through security lines, receive fast check ins and even upgrade their assigned seating to first class.
Reportedly, volunteers perform this welcome at the DFW Airport nearly everyday. Hundreds of civilians spend hours greeting Soldiers, thanking Soldiers and giving to Soldiers.
I noticed church group volunteers from at least six denominations at the airport that day, all working together, England said.
“After being stationed in Germany and Iraq for so long, seeing this display of affection at the US airport has definitely reminded me why I love Americans, especially my fellow Texans,” England said.
How AWESOME!!!!!
FGS
Thank you for the ping!
One must admit "Texans are special folks".
I salute the groups who meet the returning planes, in every state.......
Thank you all!
People in the blue states could learn a thing or three.
I'm running out of tears..........
God bless these soldiers and the volunteers who greet them to let them know of their country's support and gratitude!
Thanks for the Ping, and yes!!!!!!..... God Bless these Soldiers and the Volunteers
Bump!!
Great story. Thanks for posting. I sure wish I lived closer to Dallas.
I wonder how you find out about incoming flights? I live right on the edge of the Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
I'd be there in a heart beat if I knew there was a flight coming in here.
Texas-size salute greets USAREUR Soldiers on R&R
(at D/FW Airport)
Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my Texas ping list!. . .don't be shy.
No, you don't HAVE to be a Texan to get on this list!
Welcome back!
I don't live in Dallas, but I get NBC5 news. They have shown this on the news more than once. I think they said the airport administration helped the volunteers coordinate which flights had soldiers on them.
Blurry screen here...
God bless them all.
HOOAH!
Wonderful! Too bad you won't read about it in the likes of Newsweek.
I live nearly an hour from Bush and would be there with you if we had such flights coming in. If you find out about any - please FReepmail me.
“I was offered everything from free beer to cigarettes, sodas and cell phone usage as I walked down the airport,” Friedly said.
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