Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Alicia M. Chivers, of Spokane, Wash., and 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry...... read more read more
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DALLAS — Returning to Dallas after 15 days of rest and recuperation with family in Spokane, Wash., Staff Sgt. Alicia M. Chivers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment was ready for the long trip back to Iraq.
Arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport after a brief delay in Seattle, Chivers waited in a long line of Soldiers also returning from R and R.
Luckily, United Service Organization volunteers welcome them with beverages and handmade neck pillows for the long flight back.
After marking her baggage, the check in line was long but hurried to get in; an hour passed waiting along with several service members. On the intercom, an announcement said, "The last Soldier for tonight's flight has now checked in. The rest of you will have to return tomorrow. The sixteen of you are stamped in and now under military regulations."
The frustration had returned, and Chivers realized she would not make the return trip that day.
"You will be transported to a hotel for the night and you must report back for tomorrow's flight," said Maj. Patrick McAfee, of the DFW Military Personnel Assistance Point.
The 16 Soldiers were flooded with thoughts of home and not looking forward to a lonely hotel room. Just then, an older gentleman approached.
"My name is Bert Brady of the USO's Operation Send Off. We are looking for a few volunteers willing to join the folks at Grand Prairie, Texas, for a little dinner and appreciation for all the hard work y'all (you all) do for us. Any takers?"
Chivers, a little reluctant at first, decided to go after coaxed by her travel buddies.
At 7:30 p.m., two vans pulled up to the hotel with McAfee and Sgt. Maj. Victor Allen of the Dallas Military Assistance Command. Chuck Lechner of Plano, Texas, a USO volunteer, brought additional trucks for any other Soldiers who may have had a change of heart. All the R and R Soldiers jumped in. After a brief stop at the hotel to check-in and drop off their baggage, they were on the way to the race track.
As the vans approached the Grand Prairie city limits, they were met by a motorized police escort. As traffic stopped, the Grand Prairie citizens honked their horns and flashing lights in salute as the USO motorcade, filled with the 16 Soldiers.
"I was really shocked to know that there were so many people out there that support us and will go to great lengths to show their support," Chivers said.
The USO vans arrived at the Lone Star Park-Grand Prairie, a professional horse racing track and entertainment center and they were greeted by Dallas residents' country singer Norma Valles and her husband, Alphonzo, David Albert, Caryn Ochoa and Lone Star Park-Grand Prairie President Drew Shubeck, from Grand Prairie, Texas.
"They are all huge supporters of the USO and the events we put together for the returning service members," Brady said. "Norma and David own a restaurant together in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and each month, they donate 50 percent of one day receipts to the USO and the Dear American Hero organization in support of the Soldiers overseas."
"The food was awesome. It was really great that all of these people did this for us. It was a pleasant surprise," said Chivers. "The Texas hospitality was extraordinary. Everything from the police escort, to the greeting at the gate and dinner was just wonderful."
Kicking off the races, the Soldiers were honored for their service and sacrifice by singer Norma Valles and the guests of Lone Star Park-Grand Prairie with the singing of the national anthem. Afterward, the Soldiers enjoyed their dinner, dessert and the races from their seats in the president's private suite.
Before the sixth race, the group was invited back down to the Winner's Circle and the park announcer introduced each Soldier. They announced that the sixth race will be dedicated as "The U.S. Military Mile," in honor of the Soldiers' service and sacrifice to the nation.
For the Soldiers efforts and generosity, McAfee presented Mr. Shubeck and Mr. Albert, a military coin on behalf of the Military Assistance Command.
Shubeck replied, "This is the least we can do for all of you. You and your families sacrifice so much for us here at home. We just wanted to show a little gesture of appreciation for all you do. Thank you so much for your service."
At the end of the evening, the Soldiers returned to their hotel to rest and wait for their long flight back to Kuwait City.
Forever in their memory, the Soldiers will remember the gesture of gratitude by the USO volunteers, the Military Assistance officers and non-commissioned officers and people of Grand Prairie, Texas.
| Date Taken: | 06.15.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2009 14:16 |
| Story ID: | 35096 |
| Location: | DALLAS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 358 |
| Downloads: | 250 |
This work, United Service Organization Volunteers—Real American Patriots, Part II, by CPT Michael R. Vincent, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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