Courtesy Photo | Maj. Thomas Holcombe, son, Cpl. James David Holcombe, the 250,000th U.S. Central...... read more read more
Story and photos by Spc. Jonathan Montgomery
Third U.S. Army Public Affairs Office
When his commander in Iraq first told him that he was to become the quarter-millionth traveler flying back home as part of U.S. Central Command's Rest and Recuperation (R&R) Leave Program, Cpl. James David Holcombe's initial reaction was, "What did I do wrong?"
The answer was nothing, nothing at all, except to attract the distinguished presence of people like a three-star general, a Georgia state senator, and the president of the United Service Organizations (USO) of Georgia.
They were on hand to honor the significant milestone in the successful operation of the R&R Leave Program of serving the 250,000th participant since the program's inception Sept. 25, 2003.
Holcombe, the guest of honor, landed the morning of Aug. 22 at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, with his final leave destination in Morgan City, La.
"It's scary," he said about being the 250,000th passenger. "It feels like I've hit the lottery."
Holcombe serves as a Mine Detector Instructor for the 200th Engineer Battalion, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, Explosive Hazards Coordination Center and is stationed at Camp Victory, Iraq.
Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, the commanding general for Third U.S. Army/Coalition Forces Land Component Command, said Soldiers like Holcombe are helping to make the world a safer place, fighting against extremism.
"We often lose sight that freedom is not free, and that this war is a fight for survival against those who want to bring the United States and democratic systems down," Whitcomb said. "But, America's team is a pretty unbeatable team whose power other countries want to emulate."
Whitcomb said that Holcombe represents a new line of heroes whose courage under fire will never be forgotten.
"Corporal Holcombe saves his and other Soldiers" lives every day by ensuring that killing and maiming devices in Iraq are neutralized," Whitcomb explained. "By doing so, he is going to be part of that newest and greatest generation. Corporal Holcombe, we thank you for your service."
Senator John Douglas, chairman of Veteran and Military Affairs in the Georgia Senate and chairman of the 45th Senate District, DeKalb County, added to Whitcomb's remarks by saying that the reason America has the liberties it has are because of self-sacrificing people like Holcombe.
"The reason I take an interest in Soldiers is because I was one," said the retired air artillery defense officer. "Corporal Holcombe, we are greatly, greatly honored to have you here today, and we're glad you're home safe and sound. The tree of liberty needs to be watered by the blood of patriots. The alternative is tyranny, and that's not an option."
The gifts that Holcombe received for being the 250,000th participant included a $100 gift certificate to use at any Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) facility, such as a Post Exchange, and a trip for two anywhere in the United States from the Scheduled Airline Ticket Office (SATO) Travel, the military's contracted travel agency.
Holcombe also received a special gift packet provided by the USO of Georgia that included a men's manicure set in leather case; a USO coffee mug with Hero Bear inside; an AFLAC Duck; a portable CD player with a gift certificate from Best Buy to be use to buy CDs of his choice; a decorative pen set for writing; and multiple gift certificates for each of the following: Chick-fil-A, Longhorn Steak House, Wendy's, Domino's Pizza, Outback Steak House, Chili's and Macy's Department Store.
Following the presentation of gifts to Holcombe from the USO, AAFES, and SATO, Whitcomb presented letters of appreciation to recognize the City of Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the USO, and other individuals and organizations for their support of America's Armed Forces.
The commanding general paid homage to those who helped make the celebration a success, namely Benjamin DeCosta, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport aviation general manager for the City of Atlanta, Department of Aviation; Mary Lou Austin, President and Chief Professional Officer of United Service Organizations of Georgia, Inc.; and Mike Watson, chairman of USO of Georgia.
Approximately 550 service members fly home on R&R leave daily as they take part in the R&R Leave Program. Two aircraft fly troops daily from Kuwait City International Airport to two gateways in the United States, one in Atlanta, and the other in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. Roundtrip airfare from duty station to final leave destination is at no cost to the Soldier.
This celebration is a testament to the many organizations, government and civilian agencies, military commands, military personnel, DOD civilians, the contract and commercial airlines and many others who have helped to make this milestone possible.
| Date Taken: | 08.22.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 08.22.2005 20:51 |
| Story ID: | 2815 |
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| Web Views: | 299 |
| Downloads: | 72 |
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