Updated 07/29/2008 05:09 PM
Ribbon cut on military welcome center
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- This is a story of faces. The faces of young soldiers preparing for war in Iraq and Afghanistan. And the faces of men who were once young and went off to fight a different war, returning to a less than welcoming nation. Faces of men who want new generations of military personnel to receive a much different reception than they did.
They were there as a ribbon was cut for a new welcome center at Syracuse's Hancock Airport, just the second of its kind in the nation. It is staffed completely by volunteers and funded by contributions from the community.
“We want this to be a beacon. To go across the United States of America. We want it to go overseas. Let these people know we care about our men in uniform,” said Jim Random of the Marine Corps League.
From a new generation of military, there were thanks.
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“We come in, like, in the very early hours and if you have a place to rest, like a USO, it's very important that we get a place like that to relax till someone comes to pick us up,” said Sgt. DeWitt Hood of the 10th Mountain Division.
“I don't know if you have any idea the difference that you make in our lives and in the lives of the families who watch their loved ones go off to war, knowing that they're coming back to a community who is so dedicated. Who is so supportive. And is unwavering in their commitment to welcome us back home,” said Lt. Col. Mary Jo Timpano of the NYANG 174th Fighter Wing.
The new center bears the name of Marine Corporal Gregory Harris, a Central New York native captured in 1966 in Vietnam. He remains listed as Missing in Action.
“The first day we hung that banner up, I was so proud, but then, at the same time, you know, you get teary-eyed and you think about it and you want him standing there next to you to see it all and, hopefully, from up above, he can,” said Mary Ann Reitano, cousin of Gregory Harris.
Seeing now-weathered faces of former colleagues making sure a new generation is welcomed home.
There is still a need for volunteers to assist in manning the welcome center. Those interested can contact Loren Davies of the Marine Corps League at (315) 359-6149.