Posted 10:59 pm Monday, December 31, 2007
Lindale Crowd Greets Soldier Home From Iraq
By MALENA OGLES
Staff Writer
LINDALE - Grateful strangers waited for two hours in front of the Lindale Cracker Barrel to see a hero and tell him thank you.
"No, I don't know him," a woman said waiting in the parking lot.
"What was his name again?" another asked.
"I think it's Charles, or something that starts with a C," she said. "I hope he's surprised."
Grey-haired ladies with embroidered American flags on their sweaters stood beside long-bearded, tattooed bikers. They chatted, laughed and smiled, awaiting the arrival Army Sgt. Chip Glass, who had just returned to East Texas after an 18-month tour in Iraq.
Sgt. Glass and every East Texas soldier have a fan club, even if they're not aware of it.
Staff Writer
LINDALE - Grateful strangers waited for two hours in front of the Lindale Cracker Barrel to see a hero and tell him thank you.
"No, I don't know him," a woman said waiting in the parking lot.
"What was his name again?" another asked.
"I think it's Charles, or something that starts with a C," she said. "I hope he's surprised."
Grey-haired ladies with embroidered American flags on their sweaters stood beside long-bearded, tattooed bikers. They chatted, laughed and smiled, awaiting the arrival Army Sgt. Chip Glass, who had just returned to East Texas after an 18-month tour in Iraq.
Sgt. Glass and every East Texas soldier have a fan club, even if they're not aware of it.
FLAGS: Aniston Guy, 4, plays with flags while waiting for the arrival of U.S. Army soldier Chip Glass on Sunday in Lindale.
Sgt. Glass didn't know about his until Sunday afternoon when more than 30 people lined up to hug the 28-year-old Longview man and thank him for serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
"Family showing up at the airport is a given, but for them to realize that there are a lot of people out there who appreciate them is important," soldier supporter Cyndi Walton said.
The greeting was organized by Welcome Home Soldiers (WHS), a group that formed in November to recognize returning East Texas soldiers and thank them for their sacrifices.
"We are proud of them, and we want to make them feel good," organizer Anne DeLaet said.
The Welcome Home Soldiers group, with members of the Patriot Guard Riders, waved flags and cheered as Sgt. Glass and his family pulled into the Cracker Barrel parking lot.
The Patriot Guard Riders is made up largely of motorcycle enthusiasts who attend soldiers' funerals and shield their families from any disruptions by protesters.
"Family showing up at the airport is a given, but for them to realize that there are a lot of people out there who appreciate them is important," soldier supporter Cyndi Walton said.
The greeting was organized by Welcome Home Soldiers (WHS), a group that formed in November to recognize returning East Texas soldiers and thank them for their sacrifices.
"We are proud of them, and we want to make them feel good," organizer Anne DeLaet said.
The Welcome Home Soldiers group, with members of the Patriot Guard Riders, waved flags and cheered as Sgt. Glass and his family pulled into the Cracker Barrel parking lot.
The Patriot Guard Riders is made up largely of motorcycle enthusiasts who attend soldiers' funerals and shield their families from any disruptions by protesters.
BIG CROWDS: A group of people holding flags line the entrance to Cracker Barrel, awaiting the arrival of U.S. Army soldier Chip Glass on Sunday in Lindale.
In East Texas, there are more than 350 Patriot Guard Riders, many who attended the funeral of U.S. Army Sgt. Samuel E. Kelsey.
The group also helps in welcoming returning soldiers.
"This is a good day. These are the ones we like doing," Edward Wilkinson, with the PGR, said. "I enjoy giving the soldiers the honor they deserve."
Sitting next to a row of motorcycles was Charlie George, who said she never wants a soldier to be treated like her husband was when he returned from Vietnam.
"It's very important that they feel appreciated for the sacrifices they are making for our freedom," Ms. George said.
"Hopefully this will get back to the boys who are still out there."
Beth Miller's daughter, Sara, was deployed in October. Sunday she hugged Sgt. Glass because he was home and her daughter wasn't.
"I'm glad you're home," she said.
Sgt. Glass thanked everyone for coming and for their support.
"I'm glad to be back," he said. "I thank the Lord for bringing me back safe."
After meeting his fans and listening to their praise, members of the Patriot Guard Riders kicked their bikes to life and escorted the Glass Family home to Longview.
Anyone interested in notifying WHS about a returning soldier or to join WHS is asked to contact Mrs. DeLaet at 903-561-6016 or wlcomhm@aol.com.
The group also helps in welcoming returning soldiers.
"This is a good day. These are the ones we like doing," Edward Wilkinson, with the PGR, said. "I enjoy giving the soldiers the honor they deserve."
Sitting next to a row of motorcycles was Charlie George, who said she never wants a soldier to be treated like her husband was when he returned from Vietnam.
"It's very important that they feel appreciated for the sacrifices they are making for our freedom," Ms. George said.
"Hopefully this will get back to the boys who are still out there."
Beth Miller's daughter, Sara, was deployed in October. Sunday she hugged Sgt. Glass because he was home and her daughter wasn't.
"I'm glad you're home," she said.
Sgt. Glass thanked everyone for coming and for their support.
"I'm glad to be back," he said. "I thank the Lord for bringing me back safe."
After meeting his fans and listening to their praise, members of the Patriot Guard Riders kicked their bikes to life and escorted the Glass Family home to Longview.
Anyone interested in notifying WHS about a returning soldier or to join WHS is asked to contact Mrs. DeLaet at 903-561-6016 or wlcomhm@aol.com.
