BANGOR – Maine Troop Greeters are expected to meet a milestone this weekend as they welcome the 500,000th serviceman or woman to fly through Bangor International Airport on the way to or returning from duty overseas.

At 6 p.m. Friday, the number to have flown through here stood at 499,236. With two planes scheduled later in the night, the 500,000th service member was expected to arrive early on Saturday.

“Right at this moment, it looks like the 4 [a.m. flight],” Risteen Masters, marketing director for BIA, said Friday evening. If the number of passengers on that flight turned up lighter, Masters said, the milestone would be reached Sunday.

More than 40 volunteers from eastern Maine make up the core group of greeters who take time to go to the airport to offer a warm welcome or send-off to the military men and women whenever a troop plane is scheduled.

The Maine Troop Greeters line the hall and applaud as the troops disembark from their planes, and they shake hands with them as the uniformed men and women pass by. Occasionally, the troops get and give hugs.

The greeters, who began keeping a tally in 2003, welcomed the 400,000th service member in November 2006.

All personnel on the troop plane holding the 500,000th member will be given a gift bag filled with local souvenirs, and Bangor’s mayor will present the unit commander with a key to the city and a city flag.

The Maine Troop Greeters also will present to the unit commander an autographed and framed photo of their group, which is known worldwide for its dedication to supporting U.S. servicemen and women. Over the years, the Bangor Daily News and the Greater Bangor Chamber of Commerce have received hundreds of letters from soldiers and their families thanking the greeters for their efforts.