During the Vietnam War, Service Members had some horrible experiences when going through airports in the United States. They were often greeted by protesters who spat in their faces, shouted obscenities at them, and just generally made their lives miserable. They suffered these experiences merely because they had answered their Nation's call and went to fight in an unpopular war. I think myself very lucky. I have never had such an experience anywhere. Even though I am now a two-time veteran of Iraq, which has been an unpopular war for a long time, I have never experienced anything but gratitude and respect for my service. I have had people offer to buy me drinks. I have had people shake my hand and thank me for my service. I have had people look at me with awe and respect and wish me luck and safety.
One occasion that really stands out for me happened during this past deployment. It happened while I was on my way home for leave. We flew from Iraq to Romania and then to Bangor, Maine. There is a "Battalion" of Troop Greeters stationed at Bangor International Airport. This is a group of civilians (mostly former Service Members, I believe) who make it their job to greet Service Members as they pass through the air port on their way to and from their various places of duty. These folks have an office in the air port and they find out when flights with Service Members are coming in. They then show up to shake hands with, chat with, and offer cell phones for Service Members to use to call their loved ones. They do not charge anything for their services. They are just good people who want to ensure that members of their Armed Forces are treated with love and respect. Well, I ventured into their office to have a look around. On the ceiling, you will see unit patches from various units in the Army and other branches. All along the walls, you will see challenge coins from all kinds of people. I think they do offer a few little souvenier-type items for sale, which helps them raise a little money to cover the costs of their operations. In any case, I was looking at the different coins because I am fascinated with coins. One of the ladies who runs the place started talking to me. Since she discovered my interest in the coins, she offered me one that the Maine Troop Greeters gives out.
Now, this may not seem like much. "Big deal, Spurlock. So some nice people shook your hand and one of them gave you a stupid coin." Yeh, it is a big deal. For one thing, these people could have been anyplace else, doing anything else, yet they chose to show up for a couple of hours while we were there in the airport to try to do some little thing to make our lives a little better. That means a lot, especially when you consider what the Vietnam guys had to go through. This is a huge deal. I am forever greatful to the Maine Troop Greeters and I wish these people nothing but the best of luck.
Now, about the coin. It is a small, round coin. One side has a blue circle in the middle with a star with lines radiating from it. Below the star shows what looks like a farmer and a sailor standing on either side of a scene that depicts a tree, an animal, and water. Below this is a scroll which has a star on either side of the word MAINE. I presume this is taken from the flag of the State of Maine. At the top of the coin, you will find the words "MAINE TROOP GREETERS." There is a star before the "M" in "Maine" and after the "S" in "Greeters." Below the stars are the words "BANGOR INT'L AIRPORT." The other, more ornate side of the coin has all of the branches of the Military going around the outside of the coin. The branches are separated by stars. The center of the coin has a circle filled by the American flag with each of the seals of the different branches of service. In the very center is a white circle with two gold hands clasped together as if shaking hands.
This coin is a neat little coin and it was given to me by some amazing people who do a great job of taking care of their Nation's Service Members.
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