To look a soldier in the eye and say "thank you" is priceless; just ask members of the Lantana Ladies League (LLL).  Several members and their families welcomed home more than 270 service men and women traveling through DFW Airport on their way home for some R and R (rest and recuperation) last Saturday.  Many of the soldiers came from Iraq having been on a plane for more than 22 hours. "It was amazing!  It was such a wonderful experience and I'll never forget it!" said LLL member Patti Blood who also had the opportunity to shake hands with several soldiers. "Cool!" said 5 year-old Tyler Mason, a LLL member's son, after getting a high-five from a soldier.

     About 200 people gathered inside Terminal D to greet the military men and women as they came off the plane.  Members carried personally made signs and waved American flags and along with everyone else said "thank you" and "welcome home" to the troops.  In response some soldiers said "your welcome" and "thank you" back to the crowd while others were willing to shake people's hands. "It's because of these men and women who serve our country that I'm proud to call myself an American," said LLL member Amanda Shriver.

     DFW is one of two airports in the U.S. that has a Rest and Recuperation Leave Program for military personnel.  The public is welcome to greet arriving soldiers, as one flight arrives daily.  It's one way to show your support to the troops.  For more information about the program visit: www.dfwairport.com/heroes/index.php.

- Special to The News Connection