CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Veterans and active military members arriving in West Michigan Wednesday received a warm welcome.
Members of the Patriot Guard Riders and the Blue Star Mothers gathered at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport to greet military members with flags and words of thanks. The project, known as Operation Handshake, has been going on for years.
“We’re here to welcome all and any veterans who may be coming in, or active military,” Phil Pakiela, senior ride captain for the Patriot Guard Riders, told News 8. “Unfortunately, in the past, some of us never received a welcome home. We don’t want that to happen. We want our veterans to know we recognize their service, their family service, the sacrifices they put out.”
Pakiela said reactions varied, but veterans and service members were usually surprised.
“There’s times when we’ll see people with tears in their eyes,” he said. “It’s something that we need to do so people understand that we do appreciate what they’ve done for us.”
Members of the public are invited to join Operation Handshake, which continues at Ford Airport until 5 p.m. Wednesday.
“We’ll do it again on Dec. 23 for Christmas,” Pakiela said.