Lovejoy Football Welcomes Home Our Nation’s Heroes
09/09/2008 - By Sally Puckett
Ticer Havens, Blake Westback, Blake Martin, Cade Carter, Britt Carmichael, Dusty Stone, Katie Campbell and Ellen Paxton give a member of the U.S. military a Lovejoy Leopard welcome
In the wee hours of the morning on Friday, June 27, members of Lovejoy High School’s football teams boarded busses in front of the Leopard field house, something they have done many times.
On this particular morning, however, they were not bound for an athletic contest - they were traveling to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to take part in the Welcome Home A Hero program.Preparation for this journey began during the spring semester when Mr. Ben Matula, a Vietnam Veteran who has volunteered numerous hours to Welcome Home A Hero, spoke to these young men about the program - the importance of showing appreciation for the job our military does and the great sense of pride to be felt in being able to give back to these fine men and women as they return to the United States for a time of rest and relaxation.
During the approximate 40 minutes that the Leopards clapped, cheered, waved flags and held signs while lined up along the military’s path of exit from the International Arrivals area in DFW's Terminal D, they witnessed service men and women being joyously reunited with friends and family. They welcomed others who boarded busses of their own to catch connecting flights to their final R and R destination. In all, 240 members of the United States armed forces received this very special Leopard homecoming.
Athletic programs across the country pride themselves in preparing student-athletes for life beyond the playing field. The mission of Lovejoy ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Jim Bob Puckett is no different. In fact, Lovejoy High School takes community service a step further, as it is the sixth and final pillar of Lovejoy’s Graduate Profile. Those who were fortunate enough to be part of this very special morning – the 80 Leopard players, as well as the coaches and parents who accompanied them – no doubt left DFW with the same thought in mind – mission accomplished!
DFW Airport is one of two hubs (the other being Atlanta) for American troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan for their two-week R and R. A flight carrying these service men and women lands each and every day. The Welcome Home A Hero program ensures that a warm welcome is waiting for our nation’s finest when they arrive. Participation in this program is open to everyone. Daily flight information is available via the hotline number (972) 574-0392. As these Lovejoy Leopards can attest, it is an experience never to be forgotten.
