What does YOUR department do for returning troops?

[SageVigiles 1,194]

So combat operations have ended in Iraq and the troops are headed either home or to Afghanistan. Some troops are remaining for training/advisory roles.

Just wondering what your town/city/department does to welcome home returning heroes, if anything.

In New Fairfield we typically meet the returning service member at the town line with their family and the PD provides an escort into the center of town with the FD taking part in the "procession."

Anyone else do anything like this?

Also, is there any talk of a ticker tape parade in NYC for the returning veterans? I think that would be something I would enjoy attending...

[Guest Firediver]

There are still close to 50,000 troops still in Iraq, Yes let's welcome our troops home with open arms but not EVERY boot is off Iraqi soil yet and then there will be an influx of PSC's (Americans) in country for many yrs to come. I would love to see NYC do something to show OUR support for the troops and not leave a doubt in their minds that we appreciate everything they have done, are doing and will do to protect our FREEDOM.

[CHIEFPHIL 90]

We do not typically get involved with returning veterns to our town. Our department has 7 young men currently serving . 4 are currently in combat roles in the Afgan war. The 3 other men are shortly shipping out for there 2nd and 3rd deployments . A 8th young man served two tours in Iraq and has since come home. When our brothers are on leave, we usually get together at a local resturant. When they shipped out the first time we usually have a gathering at the firehouse.

We send care packages to they guys at least once a year or when they need something. We actually had department license plates painted in camo and were attached to thier abrams and humvees.

Edited August 19, 2010 by CHIEFPHIL

[SageVigiles 1,194]

Firediver, you're absolutely right. I'm just bringing the point up because the "combat mission" in Iraq is over, according to the powers that be. Whether we buy that story is another thing entirely. Advisory troops will still be there for many years, and the Contractors will be there as long as State Department needs them.

We send care packages to they guys at least once a year or when they need something. We actually had department license plates painted in camo and were attached to thier abrams and humvees.

That is hilarious... I love it. Chief, I may use that idea.

Also, I believe I ran into one of the service members from Bethel at that NF Water Rescue, the Navy Corpsman.

[CHIEFPHIL 90]

Yes, you did run into Todd. I spoke with him a lenght about that incident, sounds like the outcome may have been different for the vic if he was not there and was able to use his skills. He is actually assigned to a marine platoon as a combat medic. He left last week for his second tour.

[SageVigiles 1,194]

It would have been very different if he wasn't there, we were VERY shortstaffed and were having trouble getting through the crowd of boats to the victim. He did great. Is he a member with you guys?

[CHIEFPHIL 90]

It would have been very different if he wasn't there, we were VERY shortstaffed and were having trouble getting through the crowd of boats to the victim. He did great. Is he a member with you guys?

\\Yes, he is a firefighter/emt with us. Started out as one of our cadets and is now a full member.

BTW, when you were talking with James last night abiut him , I was about 5 feet away.

[SageVigiles 1,194]

Haha, sorry about that, I didn't remember what you look like. If you are who I think you are, you did help teach my Fire 1 class in Brookfield back in Spring of '07.

[CHIEFPHIL 90]

Haha, sorry about that, I didn't remember what you look like. If you are who I think you are, you did help teach my Fire 1 class in Brookfield back in Spring of '07.

yep