Mar 29, 2008 10:20 pm US/Eastern
Soldiers Returning Home Greeted At BWI Airport
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
After months of fighting, some troops are coming home.
Peggy Lee reports hundreds of them made their returns via BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Saturday night.
As the 200 troops landed, they were greeted by cheers from hundreds of volunteers with Maryland's Operation Welcome Home.
Returning to their native soil after fighting overseas, the soldiers landed to shouts of gratitude.
"When they opened up the door, we were all there for them which was really cool. It was like a surprise party for them," said Laurie Schell.
The soldiers spent months in Iraq. At BWI Airport they were shown just how much they were missed.
"I think we're gonna go eat, and then I'll probably crash around 8 o' clock," Lt. Steve Lepper.
Some were met by those they've known forever. Others were meeting new family for the first time.
From South River High School's lacrosse team to area Girl Scouts bearing cookies, it was a treat for the troops.
"Just kept getting more and more volunteers, and they brought snacks and stuff to make goodie bags to give to the troops," said Brant Schwer from South River High School.
"We sold 370 boxes of cookies for all the soldiers coming home. Whatever we don't give away, Operation Welcome Home will give out to future flights coming in," said a volunteer.
But there was one reason all were in attendance--simply to say thank you.
This month is the one-year anniversary for Operation Welcome Home. In that time they have met nearly 8,000 troops at BWI.
While some of the soldiers live locally, many were meeting connecting flights to get home.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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