Meet and Greet the Troops - DFW AIRPORT

U.S. Army personnel assistants point at dfw international airport

Updated 03/9/2011

The R&R Program (Rest and Recuperation) started to meet and greet the troops to encourage and support our deployed military. Anywhere from 150 to 250 troops come through DFW airport each day on their way home for a two-week R&R. One flight arrives daily at DFW and one departs each day. A small portion meets their families here but the majority will catch connecting flights home. Volunteers gather each day to welcome these troops off their flight, thanking and encouraging them for their service to our great nation.

There are many faithful individuals who come almost every day and deem it a privilege to be there; yet still, many more are needed to make this program even better. Our primary need is for businesses, clubs, churches, organizations and chambers to bring their employees, friends, family and communities to participate. We are so grateful for the many who have participated in the past and look forward to meeting many more of you in the future. All are welcome to come and participate in the R&R Program. To learn of expected flight arrivals, call 972.574.0392 for a recorded message. You may call up until the flight arrives the next morning. The key is to be flexible as flight times may change, sometimes even at the last minute. Please know that the Military does their best to keep us informed. You will want to check the recording several times in the morning before coming to the airport.

Attending Dates for OSU Tour Volunteers: Please email your plans of attending, so we can coordinate and have a better count. Call the hotline number before you leave for the airport. The arrival gate could also change at any moment but the normal arrival gate is Terminal B, Gate 37.

Again make sure you (and anybody else that may be interested) have entered your email in the box on our home page (and choose the AIrport Group Volunteer category) to stay informed of all changes and volunteers opportunities regarding our Nations Hero's.

Parking: You may park in the 2-hour parking lot located across from the terminal. You will walk across to greet the troops in the Arrival Hall.

Coordinators: All coordinators are urged to participate once at the meet and greet prior to their scheduled week. It will be helpful for your planning!

Before Arriving at DFW R&R Update Hotline: Call the R&R update line at 972-574-0392 for an estimated time of arrival. We recommend that you call the update line several times in the morning as well to determine if there are any delays.

• Signs: Homemade signs are welcome. You will need to take them with you when you leave since there is no where to store them.

• Food: Welcome treats or goodie bags are permissible however, not encouraged (Phone cards and gum work the best). Simple is best! Something small that they are able to place in their pockets. Please note there are approximately 150-275 soldiers arriving daily. NO Home baked items are allowed. Only prepackaged items will be allowed. Soldiers are not allowed to accept them. This is per the military.

• Water: Bottled water is a big hit as most of the soldiers are connecting to other flights and need the thirst quenchers. You do not need to bring ice or coolers. Bring your water and give it to Donna Cranston and she will ice it down for the next day.

• Supporters: Encourage businesses and families to come and greet the soldiers and wear patriotic colors. Also, veterans should be encouraged to participate.

• Time allocated: Volunteers need to plan two hours plus driving time for this program. You can park across from the entrance in the two hour parking at the Terminal.

• Flags: There are some flags available to you, but please return for later use.

• Food: If you bring food items or goodie bags, they are to be placed on the tables that are by the entrance doors. Please have assigned people to pass them out. This should all be done at the doors or if weather permits outside.

• Water: Coolers will be set outside near the buses or at the door as they leave. This allows the soldiers to take what they need.

• Helium Balloons: If you would like to bring balloons to help decorate, only Mylar balloons are allowed – NO regular helium balloons, please.

• Families of Troops are to line up in front, all the other volunteers on either side of the barriers behind family members. Veterans are up front to greet the troops!

• Keep aisles wide and clear: The Volunteer Group Leader should work with onsite coordinator to keep the aisle clear. The objective is to welcome the soldier but not encumber their progress to their connecting flight.

• Cell phones: You are welcome to offer troops cell phones to call home as they arrive. The best place to do this is outside as they wait for their buses.

The Clean-up Process

• Signs: All the signs need to be taken home with you. There is no storage available.

• Flags: A box is available for their storage however re-supplying may be needed.

• Food: Any food or gift items left over can be donated to Operation R&R.

Remember, everyone that plans to participate needs to call this number: 972.574.0392 on the day of your visit to the airport to confirm the exact arrival times, gates and last minute changes.

Afterwards: Please send us a email after you have attended and let us know how you felt and what your experience was like. Email Address: Office@OSUtour.org

RSVP: To allow us proper planning please email our office if you plan to attend at: Office@OSUtour.org