Troops Return Home to Patriot Welcome

Marylanders surprised U.S. troops with an event organized by John Flynn and Kathy Thorn, co-chairs of Operation Welcome Home (Maryland) at BWI Airport.  The September 22 event brought approximately 200 volunteers, greeting 500 troops (two planes), coming back from theatre. The planes were returning from Iraq through Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Some of the returning troops were local, but many caught connecting flights to get to their final destination. None of the troops expected the greeting that awaited. The sixth event since March 2007, organizers rallied supporters, on March 10 with 100 volunteers showing their support, on May 19, 200 volunteers rallied, and on July 28, volunteers swelled to 300 to welcome troops home. On August 8, the first weekday event, over 100 volunteers were on hand and another 100 volunteers took part on August 22.

“The goal of Operation Welcome Home is to make sure every returning troop has the welcome home that they deserve.“

The photos in this collection were taken Sept. 22 by Edward Primoff.

Troops Return Home to Patriot Welcome

Filed under: Operation Welcome Home Maryland