WWW.MAINETROOPGREETERS.COM
Mainetroopgreeters.com is proud to announce the formation of a new program to honor our troops who deployed to the Middle East through Bangor, Maine but were unable to return with their unit through Bangor because they were wounded fighting for our country. When troops leave the lounge area to return to their aircraft we tell them we will be waiting to welcome them back to the USA. When they don't come back through Bangor we miss them and want them to know that they still owe us a visit. Most of all we want them to know that they have the love and support of a grateful nation. The "I Owe Bangor, ME a Visit", program is hosted by Mainetroopgreeters.com and the American Legion Post 200 in Hermon, Maine. Plans are to send each of these troops a welcome home package and recognize them on http://www.mainetroopgreeters.com.
If you deployed through Bangor, ME and were unable to return through here with your unit DUE TO BEING WOUNDED IN ACTION please contact us either through email at mtglegion@Yahoo.com, or send a note to Bud Tower, P.O. Box 73, Levant, ME 04456. Without you or your family contacting us we have no way of knowing if you deployed through Bangor, ME. Those of us at Mainetroopgreeters.com and American Legion Post 200 would like to have the honor of personally thanking you and welcoming you home.
If you deployed through Bangor, ME and were unable to return through here with your unit DUE TO BEING WOUNDED IN ACTION please contact us either through email at mtglegion@Yahoo.com, or send a note to Bud Tower, P.O. Box 73, Levant, ME 04456. Without you or your family contacting us we have no way of knowing if you deployed through Bangor, ME. Those of us at Mainetroopgreeters.com and American Legion Post 200 would like to have the honor of personally thanking you and welcoming you home.
The T-shirt logo incorporates an outline of the State of Maine overlaid by the stars and stripes which is the official logo of Mainetroopgreeters.com as designed and generously donated by Kenneth Kroesser. We would also like to thank 'Cutlers Embroidery' of Bangor for assisting us with the t-shirt design.
OUR FIRST RECIPIENT:
Major Herbert Joliat, 1st Special Troops Battalion Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.
Major Herbert Joliat, 1st Special Troops Battalion Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.
On September 26, 2007 Major Joliat, in Iraq as a Civil Services Officer, was on a humanitarian mission. Finished for the day, Major Joliat returned to his humvee and as he was getting in he spotted a little girl. He turned to reach for a doll to give to the child and it was then that he took a bullet in the arm ... a bullet that would have proven fatal had he not been reaching for the doll.
While on his second tour in Iraq, (he also served one tour in Afghanistan), Major Herbert A. Joliat was awarded the 'Bronze Star Medal' and the 'Army Commendation Medal with Valor' for valorous acts while assisting with the medical treatment of a soldier in Tarmiyah, Iraq. Major Joliat’s actions and efforts as a leader assisted in saving the life of a fellow soldier, providing medical aid to two critically wounded Iraqi interpreters and extinguishing the engulfing flames of a burning M1114 to recover the body of a fallen comrade. While under enemy fire during a catastrophic IED attack, his calm and collected performance under intense combat stress and pressure inspired his patrol to take action and reflects great credit upon him, the 1st Special Troops Battalion Brigade and the United States Army.
Major Joliat, his wife and two daughters reside in Harker Heights , TX. He is the son of troop greeters, Melody and Philip Joliat of Holden, Maine
Our deepest appreciation to RITA POTTER, a troop greeter and volunteer at the Bangor Ronald McDonald House when in Maine and a volunteer at the Fisher House on Fort Sam Houston when in Texas, for getting these shirts into the hands of our wounded warriors shown in the next five pictures.
Rita writes that these brave men "are all wonderful, worrying about their buddies back in Iraq and Afghanistan, wishing they were with them! Please think of them in your prayers".
Rita is also a loving Mom and grandmother and she embraces her troops as such. Rita's son is currently serving in Iraq. Thank you Rita for all you do to help our sons and daughters.
Rita is shown here welcoming a couple of troops to Bangor.
Rita writes that these brave men "are all wonderful, worrying about their buddies back in Iraq and Afghanistan, wishing they were with them! Please think of them in your prayers".
Rita is also a loving Mom and grandmother and she embraces her troops as such. Rita's son is currently serving in Iraq. Thank you Rita for all you do to help our sons and daughters.
Rita is shown here welcoming a couple of troops to Bangor.
PFC Matthew Zajac
20 years old, 2nd ID
Injured in Baghdad May 3, 2007
Currently at B.A.M.C.
Matt lost his right leg at the hip and left leg just below the knee as well as injuring his right arm. Matt wrote, “Thank you to American Legion Post 200 for your help and support”. We thank YOU, Matt, and we'll be eternally grateful to you for your service and for the sacrifices you have made on our behalf.
Rita reports that Matt has a marvelous attitude and is always encouraging others.
20 years old, 2nd ID
Injured in Baghdad May 3, 2007
Currently at B.A.M.C.
Matt lost his right leg at the hip and left leg just below the knee as well as injuring his right arm. Matt wrote, “Thank you to American Legion Post 200 for your help and support”. We thank YOU, Matt, and we'll be eternally grateful to you for your service and for the sacrifices you have made on our behalf.
Rita reports that Matt has a marvelous attitude and is always encouraging others.
E-5 Thomas James injured on April 27, 2007 in Samarra, Iraq. James is from Three Rivers, TX where he lives with his wife, Gloria (shown here with James), and son Thomas Lee James, Jr.
Although this hero lost his left leg and suffered many other injuries, he wants to stay in the Army and be a drill sergeant. According to Rita, “he definitely has the will for it”!
James sends the following message to all his military brothers and sisters, “I hope you all have a safe deployment and a speedy return. Godspeed, see you on the high ground”!
Although this hero lost his left leg and suffered many other injuries, he wants to stay in the Army and be a drill sergeant. According to Rita, “he definitely has the will for it”!
James sends the following message to all his military brothers and sisters, “I hope you all have a safe deployment and a speedy return. Godspeed, see you on the high ground”!
Sgt. Nick McCoy, U.S. Army Airborne from Reading, PA
Nick suffered serious injuries in his head, arms, and upper body. He also lost both legs one above the knee, the other below the knee.
Nick suffered serious injuries in his head, arms, and upper body. He also lost both legs one above the knee, the other below the knee.
PFC Joshua Holm was injured in Mosul OIF. He suffered upper body injuries, head trauma and lost part of his left arm.
As you can see in the pictures, Josh has a beautiful, sunny nature. He is shown in these pictures with his Mom ...
As you can see in the pictures, Josh has a beautiful, sunny nature. He is shown in these pictures with his Mom ...
in this box: