I sure wish I was an eloquent writer so I could explain my day today and the feelings I had better than I know I will.
I have always been grateful for the USO. During my active duty years in the Air Force I spent some time...days and nights at different USO's around the world. Back in 2002 while we were on our way to Frankfurt, Germany we spent 5 hours in the Atlanta USO. It was a quaint place in such a gigantic airport to sit with our 2 year old Ben and 8 week old Madi. The ladies in there were so pleasant and helpful...ever since I have always wanted help others in that way.
On the first Thursday of every month it is the the ladies of ARCENT (Steve's work place with the Army) who run the show up there at the Atlanta Airport USO. After reading in the Yellow Ribbon (monthly newsletter) they needed volunteers I instantly signed up. Before today I didn't know any of these wonderful women. I had heard of one of them because her husband is a three star General that Steve gives a weather briefing to every morning.
My duties today started off in the kitchen. We bagged up like 300 or more Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Then we made basket fulls of sandwiches. All of a sudden it was time for the walk...Laura insisted I go do the walk...she should have warned me! I had to help line up all the soldiers and walk them down to get processed in for their flight. WOW! Just knowing where and what they are doing and leaving at this wonderful time of year...I had to hold back the tears at this sight. After the walk I stood with some of the ladies at a USO podium downstairs by the escalators that bring people up from the airline gates. Every time a person in uniform came up we all would clap for them and then one of us ladies world escort them to get their bags, to the processing line and then back up to the USO to eat, use the computers and rest before they leave.
I am so thankful for the wonderful experience today...can't wait until next month. There were about 400 people leaving today going back overseas...they are definitely in my thoughts right now.
9 comments:
What a fabulous experience. Can you imagine having to leave your family just three weeks before Christmas?? God bless these men and women.
We spent 5 hours at the USO in Denver on our way to Alaska this summer...it saved our sanity. And to think these people are all volunteers...
What a great thing that you did....I can imagine that it is both fulfilling and emotional all at the same time!!
My heart goes out to the men and women and their families, who put their lives on the line for our country! My thoughts and prayers will be with them....especially during this Christmas season.
Lisa
HI just wanted to SAY hello..I came over from Carries blog and she is a GA Blogger and I noticed you are toooo and SO am I...in Savannah. SO HI!
What a wonderful thing to do!!!I am so thankful for the men and women who serve this country!!
-sandy toes
Wow, that was very kind of you to sign up to help with that! That would be hard to watch them leave, knowing they are leaving at such a special time of the year. Many are probably leaving behind wives, husbands, children...oh my goodness, I am a mess just thinking about it! Good for you for giving in such a wonderfully concrete way! :)
What an amazing experience for you!I am glad that you got the opportunity to help.
What a fabulous way to give back. You must feel so fulfilled knowing that you were able to comfort those that protect us daily.
I just finished up a fundraiser for some of our Navy guys that won't be home for the holidays. I know what it's like not to have my husband home so when he is, I appreciate it so much more and feel the need to help those that can't be.
Jo
What a memory you made...you did a fine job telling about it too : )
The brittle: I cut back the marg. a little and boiled it a bit longer...turn out great. I took it tonight and it's gone! Even my 5 yr old son was eating it before I left! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
What a special day you had. That is so nice of you do offer your time for the troops and families that use the USO. Many, many times we have stopped at USO's with Bryce in tow and I have always held the men and women that work at them in very high regards. I'm sure we'll be 'clients' again on our next PCS with Caroline in tow now, too!
You are a special lady Jeni!
Love ya, Les
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