USO

I sure wish I was an eloquent writer so I could explain my day today and the feelings I had better than I know I will.

I have always been grateful for the USO. During my active duty years in the Air Force I spent some time...days and nights at different USO's around the world. Back in 2002 while we were on our way to Frankfurt, Germany we spent 5 hours in the Atlanta USO. It was a quaint place in such a gigantic airport to sit with our 2 year old Ben and 8 week old Madi. The ladies in there were so pleasant and helpful...ever since I have always wanted help others in that way.

On the first Thursday of every month it is the the ladies of ARCENT (Steve's work place with the Army) who run the show up there at the Atlanta Airport USO. After reading in the Yellow Ribbon (monthly newsletter) they needed volunteers I instantly signed up. Before today I didn't know any of these wonderful women. I had heard of one of them because her husband is a three star General that Steve gives a weather briefing to every morning.

My duties today started off in the kitchen. We bagged up like 300 or more Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Then we made basket fulls of sandwiches. All of a sudden it was time for the walk...Laura insisted I go do the walk...she should have warned me! I had to help line up all the soldiers and walk them down to get processed in for their flight. WOW! Just knowing where and what they are doing and leaving at this wonderful time of year...I had to hold back the tears at this sight. After the walk I stood with some of the ladies at a USO podium downstairs by the escalators that bring people up from the airline gates. Every time a person in uniform came up we all would clap for them and then one of us ladies world escort them to get their bags, to the processing line and then back up to the USO to eat, use the computers and rest before they leave.

I am so thankful for the wonderful experience today...can't wait until next month. There were about 400 people leaving today going back overseas...they are definitely in my thoughts right now.