Support The Troops Rally
Once a month, usually on the last Friday of the month, a small group of us get together just outside of one of the three main gates to Ft. Rucker (one for each of the towns next to Rucker) and have a "Support The Troops

Rally". We have various flags of various types - U.S., old versions, military branches, etc... as well as signs THANKING the troops for what they are doing. We always get honks and waves. Occasionally a solder or two will stop and shake the hands of all of us, saying how much it means to them and how they appreciate us. Naturally, we in turn tell them how much we appreciate THEM. Most of us are ex-military, but spouses and even my grand-kidzez are regulars.
Sometimes people will stop and ask if we're selling the flags or offer donations. Sorry, but it's "no, but thank you very much" to both.
Ft. Rucker is the Training Center for Army Aviation - helicopters. Many international military pilots are also trained here. This gives the small towns of Enterprise, Ozark, and Daleville a very "melting pot" of the world feel. Most people around here are connected to the military in one form or another. I'm from Montgomery, Alabama, was stationed at Rucker right after Vietnam, so this is close enough to "my OLD home", yet where my myself, my daughter, and the grand-kidzez now call "Home".


I'll write some more Blog Posts on other activities that the group does in a few days.
12 Comments on One of my most rewarding monthly activites!
Travis-what a great idea, I'm sure the troops greatly appreciate the acknowledgment and support. Good job.
Good post. great subject, and a most worthy endeavor. Do an extra wave or two for me the next time you go there.
Adrian - Thanks, they DO seem to appreciate it!
Jon - will do!! (like the facial hair.....hmmmm)(and the hat....double hmmmm)(aaaahahahaha)
What a great way to show ones support. When I returned from Vietnam I would have appreciated at least one thank you.
Richard - here it is..."THANK YOU SIR FOR WHAT YOU DID FOR ALL OF US!!!"
Richard - oops, interrupted before I finished my thought ...."and I'm sorry that I can't be there to tell you in person". Most of the guys, and gals, that I served with had been over there. Some loved it - some hated it - all agreed that the percption of them on their return wes pretty ..."shoddy", shall we say. I am SO glad that the PUBLIC in general has a much appreciation of the Military now than back in the 60's & 70's.
Hi Richard, Thank you for taking the time to honor our returning troops! My hat is off to you!
Well, it loks like that we may have to cancel this activity. The primary couple who had started it and have been scheduling it are in bad health. I think I'll talk to my office about us taking it on.
Okay, I have perused a few blogs.... keep up the great work. I am subscribing. And, I hope that your office takes it on. This would be great PR, plus great for your community!
Thank you Ron. I hope we do as well!
Travis, this is quite admirable, and bet it does feel your most rewarding function! We all need to volunteer for something we are passionate about!
Hi, Travis - I hope you're still doing this. Thank you for your service--though late--it's heartfelt.