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I'm so glad I found your web site. I'm sitting here with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. My son e-mailed us from Bangor on Saturday telling us of his layover enroute to Afghanistan. I was so impressed with his description of the greeting when they arrived. I just want to say thanks to a group of great, great people. Thank you so much. I served in the National Guard for 43 years and never spent one day on active duty to support combat operations. Two months after my retirement from the military my #3 son deployed with his Guard unit to Iraq in January of 2003. Today, Sunday, 4 May 08, my #5 son is somewhere between Bangor and Afghanistan. Four of my sons proudly wear the uniform of their country. Thanks to all of your great folks for being there when our kids needed you the most.
Sincerely, Mike Johnson (SGM Retired) Utah

My son is a Marine who returned from Iraq on April 16. He touched down in Bangor at 4:28pm....maybe that would be 5:28pm your time. Anyhow he said there were probably 50 Veterans there to greet them. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for you all doing that. He said the stop in Bangor was great and he truly enjoyed seeing everyone so happy they were home. If I couldn't be there, I'm so thankful that you all were. It meant a lot to this MOM and a lot to one tired Marine!! God bless you all!!! Denby Pray for our troops...God bless them all!!

I joined 17 other family members in Bangor yesterday (4-16-08) to welcome home my nephew USMC Ross Denbow from his tour in Iraq . I had heard about the Maine Troop Greeters but this was my first chance to see them in action.........it was GREAT. We all jumped right into the welcome line to shake hands, say welcome home and most of all to say THANK YOU.There were greeters of all ages but my wife and I noticed that the biggest smiles and expressions of emotion from the troops came when they were greeted by young children. I was standing in the greeting line next to a beautiful 11-12 year old girl with a huge grin on her face who told me that her mom and her had been going to the airport to greet troops for many years now !!!!!My highest compliments to the Maine Troop Greeters for all they do and have done. Jeff Denbow,Readfield, Maine

Thank you so much for being there! What you do is priceless. My Marine son, Jordan, left this past Saturday from Camp Lejeune, NC for his first tour in Iraq. I was so surprised and overwhelmed to receive a 9:00PM call from him while at a stopover in Maine! You are my gift! Please carry on...Please let me know how to help you financially with your efforts to assure other Moms and Dads have the same opportunity to hear the wonderful sound of their son or daughter's voice. My heartfelt thank you to all of you! JoAnn, Sag Harbor, NY

This morning I went to the Barracks to drop off my husband and tell him my last goodbyes for quite some time! It was a really sad feeling knowing that he was going to Afghanistan and I wouldn't hear his voice for a really long time. He didn't know when he could get to a phone and call, but as soon as he made it to the nearest phone he would give me a call. Well I got that call sooner than later thanks to all of you. You all are really doing a great thing greeting our troops. And I know the troops feel very greatful. I know my Marine was. He was so excited about how friendly all of you were. Thank you again for letting me hear my husbands voice one more time before he left the states.~Bobbie and Sasha(our dog) Rivas 3-24-08

Got a picture from my daughter-in-law this morning of my son coming off the plane in Bangor last night around midnight. He is on his way to Iraq, he is in the Marine Corps and from 29 Palms,CA. 3/4 Marines. I remember back in June 2005 getting a call at night from Bangor when he was there coming back from Afghanistan on his way to K-Bay Hawaii. I am so thankful and appreciative for what you do for these kids both going and coming overseas. I thank You as only a Parent can! I only wish I had gotten the same treatment when coming back from back in 1972. Again, Thank You one and all of you.......A Father In Texas Thanks You!!! Jon K. Burns Disability Retired Army
100% Disabled Veteran Wimberley Texas VFW Post #6441 Commander

We received a phone call from our daughter this morning with excitement in her voice for the wonderful reception that the plane full of troops received in Maine at 7:00 a.m. To have all of the veterans there applauding them as they walked off the plane was very appreciated by our military serving in Iraq. The handshakes, hugs and early morning conversations with veterans...priceless. Thanks to the person that handed our young Air Force Captain a cell phone to call home when her phone did not get service and was told...Go ahead and call...talk as long as you want. What a wonderful gift to her husband and to us as parents. Thank you so much for showing continued support for our troops always. We are retired USMC and applaud you for touching our troops in this very special way. Thank you so much. The Warner family

On an early September morning, I and 170 other Air Force members de-planed in Bangor. We had been flying all day, originating out West, and all were tired -- yet we knew we had many more miles to travel. Frankly, I expected to sit on an uncomfortable airport seat for the hour or so it takes to refuel the jet, more or less alone with my uncertainty as to what may happen during our upcoming deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom. To say that I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. I had no idea the Maine Troop Greeters would be there, much less in the wee hours of the morning, to give us a much-needed cheer, handshake, and/or hug. I think every chest in the crowd stuck out a bit more, every chin raised a bit higher, thanks to the boost we got from your organization. As for me, it reinforced my belief that the American people really are behind us. The idea that our mission is necessary in support of freedom, security, and the safety of the wonderful citizens of our beloved country sustains us in our execution of what can be difficult, dusty and dangerous work. Thanks, greeters, your service to our deploying Armed Forces is very special, highly regarded, and fondly remembered. SMSgt Marcus Jellerson
Somewhere in the Middle East, Originally from Sanford, Maine, Home Station: Langley AFB, Virginia

Greeters, I just wanted to thank you for all of your support that you give to our troops. My son PFC Matthew Brown came threw your airport in August. Matt and his unit were heading for Iraq . His unit came from Fort Hood , Texas . I talk to Matt today September 06th, 2007 and he was telling me how great it made him and all of the troops feel to be seen off from such a nice caring group of people. Matt said someone took his picture on the day he went threw your airport. I haven’t had any luck finding it but I will keep searching. Again Thank you So much, Betty Brown from OHIO

I can't recall a time in my life that I have ever been more proud or touched
by my fellow Mainers. I just read the article on FOXNews about what you all
are doing. My heart aches for those young men and women, and to know you all
are out there touching and encouraging them just blesses me so deeply.
Tell'em THANK YOU for me! Sandy Francisco Orig from Bethel, now transplanted in Lady Lake, FL

God Bless each of you for being there for our troops! What an honor!My son (Lcpl Tyler Cowart 2/7 Golf Co. Marines) will arrive Aug. 25th for the last leg of his trip back to base from Iraq. THANK YOU for greeting him. He was so amazed at the American Pride that you showed him when he arrived in Bangor to fly to Iraq , God Bless you and again THANK YOU for all you do to make our boys feel loved and honored! Vicki-Mother of U.S. Marine Lcpl Tyler Cowart

I would like to thank you all on behalf of M co. 158th AVN REGT and the
other hundreds of thousands of soldiers you have greeted. My return home
from Iraq in Feb. 2005 is still a vivid memory in my mind. I had never heard
of your organization until we stepped off of the plane, dirty and tired. It
was such a surprise seeing all of you taking the time out of your lives to
come and shake our hands after a long trip home and a longer stay overseas.
I can't describe the feeling I had at the time and I'm sure the other
soldiers in my unit felt the same. I still remember finally getting a good
shave in the airport restroom (with plenty of hot water!) and having my
first cold beer in months at the airport bar. What a wonderful day that I'll
never forget! Best Regards, SGT Carson, U.S. Army Reserve

You folks are true Patriots. There are people out there that claim they are being patriotic by bashing this country and, in some cases, even our troops. You set the bar high for all Americans. Kudos and thanks for all you do for our returning troops. God Bless, Cliff CDR USN Retired San Diego, CA

Thanks for being there on the outbound and inbound legs. Your kindness and genuine appreciation for the job we do does not go unnoticed. Congratulations on number 500, 000.Semper Fi, LCDR Ray Hunt 1st Marine Logistics Group
Camp Pendleton, CA

God Bless all of you for what you are doing. Last year I read a book by Bob Greene called "Once Upon A Town". I urge you to read it. It is the story of North Platt Nebraska during WW11, and the folks who rallied to greet, feed and encourage all the fellows on the troop trains as they passed through. The underlying theme is that it happened then and probably couldn't happen nowadays due to the fact that people don't pull together as they did then. Well I am so proud that you have proven that we do. If you can get the book and read it you will feel the kinship to those patriotic folks of the 1940's who met every single troop train going through. Also you will learn of the gratitude of the boys and their families. Thanks again for your devotion. Shirley Bradley

Thanks, Bangor Maine, I have been through there twice in the early
'70's. I and everyone here at SUPERTROOPER thank you and you
will remain in our prayers as you do what we cannot on a personal
basis. We sell uniforms and related products to the ARMY
personnell, so we understand where you are coming from. Again,
thank you and GOD BLESS you ALL. J.W.James for all my co-
workers. Super Trooper Customer Service
100 Patriot Way
Anniston, AL 36206
1-800-633-2282
Ext 105 or EXT 106

Upon returning from Iraq in 2004, I can tell you first hand how it warmed my heart to see all of the American smiling faces there at the airport to welcome us home. I’ve never been so proud to be an American and so happy to set foot on American soil!!! Tears begin to well up in my eyes as I sit here and remember my return home...Keep up the GREAT work!
God Bless each and every one of you!
A Loyal American Patriot and Soldier
369th TC Det (CS) – OEF/OIF: 2003-2004
Houston, TX

More often than not God sends his Angels in disguise to be with our kids when we can not. I know my son has come through Bangor on more than one occasion and has been welcomed home by you. Thank you so much for being some of God's greatest Angels. As long as our kids have to keep leaving home I hope you will be there to welcome them back. God bless you all. From a VERY Proud Mom of an American Soldier, SSG Jake's mom Tammy

My son called at 3 am last night (6-10-07) from Bangor Int'l after being greeted by your group on his way to Iraq. Thank you for giving him the hugs that we weren't able to give him. Both his grandfathers were WWII vets and his great-grandpa a WWI vet and they would be so proud of what you all do.
Karen Halstedt, Rockford, MI

Hi, my name is Marilyn Fry. We found out about your site through our son, who is in the MN national guard. He was in Bangor last March (07)on his way to Iraq. He called from a greeters phone. Later on I went to your site, someone had taken a picture of him, stretched out and talking on the phone. It was to us back here in Minnesota. Well, now he is on his way home. He has been gone 16 months and we are so happy they are on the way home. We have a son in the Navy stationed at NAS Brunswick, ME. He is going to try and get up there to "greet" his brother when he comes in. Thank you for all you do. We love you like you don't know. Marilyn & Jim Fry

Words cannot express our appreciation for what you do for our troops. Many, many thanks. Alice Warneke

My NMCB 74 Seabee son came thru Bangor today, and I cannot describe how wonderful it was to get a telephone call at 6:00a.m. hearing the words "Hey Ma, I'm here and I love you". He also said how wonderful the Maine Troop Greeters were, and for your hospitality , I say "thank you so very much". Having been in the hospital and not able to travel to Gulfport, Ms. yet,,, I was so happy to know that there was someone to say "welcome home" to him and all his battalion, as they stepped foot back on USA soil! Very Proud CB Mom, Jean Littlefield

Thank you all so very much! You are great!!!! Best regards to you, A proud Marine Mom

All I can say is "Thank you, for the wonderful thing you are doing for our troops." A loyal American, Port Matilda, PA.

I was going to ask "Where were you all when I got off the plane from SE Asia" and when I looked at your pictures I decided that some of you may have been sitting beside me. The crappy reception we got still puts a frown on my face. I am so glad that you are there putting life long smiles on the faces of our children. Thank you all so much!! Jim McGhan Ex SP5 US Army 68-72

I received a call yesterday that my Marine son was on his way home. He called me from Kuait. Mark says he will be landing in Bangor . Up until now I did not know about this Troop Greeting. The videos brought tears to my eyes. Since I cant’ greet my son, I am fell honored that he will share the arrival with so many dedicated people. My son lost his Grandfather, a WWII vet last year, so he will respect the effort your greeters make. Thanks from the bottom of my heart that you are there to touch him. Sgt. Mark V. Riggio USMC’s Mom, Jan Riggio

I received an email from my cousin in Maine ( I'm a Maine native that lives in Tennessee) about this site and what the Maine Troop Greeters do. I am very proud and impressed that the people of Maine do this for our service men and women who are coming and going to serve for our country. I think every airport should have a group like this. Keep up the good work that I'm sure helps the morale of our troops in this difficult time. Thank you and God Bless you all. Sincerely, Jo Godin
Clarksville, Tennessee   Home of the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles
Ft. Campbell, Ky.

Bill Knight and the Maine Troop Greeters define what a true American is. I get chills as I still remember watching the greeting at the airport with the returning Army flight. When I traveled through the Bangor International Airport three years ago, I met Jerry Mundy--a marine veteran. I still remember his laugh and jokes. I hope all are doing well. I think of the greeters every time I see a story on the news about more soliders heading over. I know if these soldiers go through the Bangor airport, they will be in good hands--given love from complete strangers. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS!! Cape Cod, MA

"I have been following the Maine Troop Greeters for the past few years now and every time I pass through the Bangor International Airport, I am constantly amazed that they are still there greeting troops!" Chicago, IL

I love the Maine Troop Greeters...I am envious I do not live closer to participate in the great work you do!!!  You make America proud!!!  May God be praised and all our U.S. service members blessed in all you do!!! Pat Gunn- Cincinnati, OH

Thanks for sharing the new site. I love seeing all the pics.
I've know Debbie Bickford for about 4 years but have never met personally, only via support groups, email and phone calls. I think it's so awesome for all you greeters to do what your doing. My daughter who is in the Air Force flew through Maine in Sept. got a chance to greet the greeters. Thanks for all what your doing!
Tammy in Chico, California
www.myspace.com/cali4niagal

Cheers to the Maine Troop Greeters!!! Led by the "Famous and Greatest" Deb Bickford. She a hellava good cook and a hellava supporter of our Troops. I wish we could all have half the enthusiasm she has towards this effort. I raise my glass and salute all the wonderful people who Greet our Troops in Bangor. Don't ever give up the Support. Our Soldiers need you more than ever. God Bless the USA!!!! Thanks Again.... Ron (Benton, Me.)