N.H. man seeks to honor BIA troop greeters

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Yet another Memorial Day is upon us and, as we honor those who have served and remember those who died serving their country, we pray for the safety of those who continue to find themselves in the line of fire: That they are able to return home soon to their families, safe and whole, in mind, body and spirit.

Here’s an interesting idea relating to the activity of our Maine Troop Greeters from Chris Van Veen of Brookline, N.H.

Several months ago, Van Veen wrote the Bangor Daily News.

He is an aviation enthusiast who follows “aircraft movements throughout New England’s major airports.”

Van Veen believes Bangor International Airport (which he refers to as BGR) deserves special attention.

“World Airways, Omni International, ATA and others fly large aircraft through Bangor on their way to or from Europe,” he wrote. “Coming west, from Europe, Bangor gives troops their very first chance to touch U. S. soil.”

Anticipating that “troop charters will slowly reduce in number,” Van Veen says his hope is that the efforts and contribution of BGR “will never be forgotten.

“My hope is for some way to commemorate the crucial role BGR played in getting troops to and from the theater of war in Iraq.”

Admitting that he really doesn’t “know what to do” to make that a reality, Van Veen wrote he would be “happy to contribute money, and my efforts to help, albeit from afar.

“While I’m neither a resident of Maine, nor involved with the military, I feel a sense of duty to help what is clearly a noble cause.

“The airport deserves recognition, and so, too, do the scores of volunteers who greeted each flight and gave what they could to the cause,” he wrote.

“Three cheers for BGR.”

If you’re interested in Van Veen’s idea, call me, and I’ll put you in touch with him.

Speaking of the Maine Troop Greeters, we continue to receive thanks for their efforts on behalf of troops passing through Bangor International Airport.

Among those grateful writers is Debra Baillargeon Groesser of Ralston, Neb., who wrote that her son-in-law passed through BIA in March, and that she found a picture of him “and the guys from Maine” on the Maine Troop Greeters Web site, wwwmainetroopgreeters.com.

“It is so amazing to see the picture of all the people hugging the guys and cheering them on,” she wrote.

Her son-in-law told her “it was pretty awesome,” and that “he even got a box of his favorite Girl Scout cookies.

“It is so comforting to know that there are still Americans who care that much to see them off before war.”

Groesser’s maiden name may be familiar to some of you since, she explained, she “lived in Bangor and Greenville as a child.

“My dad is from the Jackman area. I still have relatives in Jackman and Dover-Foxcroft.

“I just want the Maine Troop Greeters to know you will forever have a place in our hearts as well.

“God Bless you for caring, and for the wonderful work you do for our men and women in uniform.

“It means so much to them and to us, their families.”

According to a recent press release, several Bangor-area Dunkin’ Donuts franchises have joined other area businesses in making contributions to the activities of the Maine Troop Greeters by providing freshly brewed coffee and doughnuts each week for the Troop Greeters to offer troops passing through BIA.

“We have been very thankful to have the support of Dunkin’ Donuts,” said Bill Knight, one of the founders of the Maine Troop Greeters.

“I know the delicious coffee and doughnuts have put big smiles on the faces of the troops as they have come and gone.”

Taylor Lovejoy, 13, of Bernard Jones Post 92 in Brownville Junction is the Maine Honorary American Legion Junior Auxiliary President.

Brenda Roberts reports the post hopes to raise $2,000 to send Taylor and her mother, Theresa Lovejoy, the junior group’s senior adviser, to the American Legion Auxiliary National Convention in August in Reno, Nev.

Planned fundraisers include scrapbook events and a spaghetti supper in June. Readers can help by sending a contribution to Maine Savings Federal Credit Union, Post 92 Junior Auxiliary, Park Street, Milo 04463, with Taylor Lovejoy National Convention Fund on the memo line.

For more information, call Roberts, 965-3631, or Theresa Lovejoy, 965-8015.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.