The story of the Maine Troop Greeters is that of hundreds of patriotic citizens who, for many years, have met every single flight carrying our military personnel across the Atlantic to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait or other overseas assignments, or bringing them home. Whether these flights land at Bangor International Airport in the light of day or the dark of night, in fair weather or foul, the Troop Greeters are there with cookies and coffee, handshakes and hugs, cheers and even cell phones for soldiers to call loved ones at home. It is the story of the nearly one million troops on some 4,000 flights who have been astonished, overwhelmed, encouraged, and most of all, welcomed and thanked by this spontaneous outpouring of gratitude and respect.
This remarkable story is now the subject of a remarkable documentary. The Way We Get By is a moving film that focuses on three particular Maine Troop Greeters: Joan Gaudet, Bill Knight, and Jerry Mundy. Their emotional and deeply personal stories are told with great artistry and affection by the creators of this award-winning and critically acclaimed film, Gita Pullapilly and Aron Gaudet, Joan’s son, who is from Old Town.
Recently, I had the privilege of hosting a special screening of this film at the United States Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. The audience included members of Congress and leaders of the volunteer community, along with military personnel, veterans and their families. It was a great pleasure to welcome the three Maine Troop Greeters featured in the film and also General Bill Libby, Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard.
I was honored to introduce Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of our Vice President, who spoke prior to the screening. In addition to being an educator and a vigorous advocate for volunteerism, Dr. Biden is Gold Star Mother. Her son, Beau, is a Captain in the Delaware National Guard and returned from a year-long deployment in Iraq just a few days before the screening. Dr. Biden is part of a long line of mothers who, throughout America’s history, have experienced both the pride and the anxiety of seeing sons and daughters head into harm’s way to serve our country. She has made military families a top priority and is committed to raising public awareness and appreciation of the special sacrifices our military personnel and their families make. She was profoundly thankful for the efforts of our Troop Greeters.
The next day, the film was screened at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. And the day after that, the three Maine Troop Greeters were surprised with an invitation to meet with Vice President Biden at the White House so he could express his personal thanks.
I am often asked why this Troop Greeter phenomenon is so powerful in Bangor. The simple answer is that the city I am proud to call home is the location of the easternmost airport in the United States, a former Air Force base that can accommodate transatlantic flights. For our troops, Bangor is either the last American soil they touch upon deployment or the first they touch upon their return. The tradition of greeting troop flights began in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm and was revived with operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
But that simple answer only scratches the surface. The phenomenon of the Maine Troop Greeters is not merely a matter of geography and facilities, but represents the strong of community that makes our state so special. Throughout our nation’s history, young Americans have left the comfort and security of home to defend our freedom and to extend the blessing of freedom to others. And behind every patriot in uniform have stood patriots on the home front to honor their service.
The theme of the Capitol screening was volunteerism. Effective volunteerism is at once an individual act and the work of many hands. The Maine Troop Greeters are individuals acting out of personal conviction, but their efforts are magnified by the generous support of local businesses, civic organizations and airport management. Many in the audience represented the USO, HandsOn Network, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and Operation Homefront. Their leadership strengthens the spirit of volunteerism that is a core American value.
As the audience got to know Joan, Bill, and Jerry during the film, they learned that each face profound personal challenges, yet they refuse to allow those challenges to interfere with their efforts as Maine Troop Greeters. Their dedication is amazing. That is one of the great principles of true service – it is not something that is done only when convenient, but a commitment sincerely made and faithfully kept. That is the principle that guides our men and women in uniform, and that guides those who give of themselves to honor and support them.
One was the many highlights of the evening was when the filmmakers asked all active duty military personnel and veterans to stand. The warm applause was a powerful reminder of the regard the American people have for those in uniform who serve our nation. For me, the wonderful efforts of the Maine Troop Greeters are a powerful reminder of why it is such an honor to serve Maine in the United States Senate.