R&Rs are in full swing and some of the families have elected to pick up their soldier at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport. For some of the spouses there has been some confusion on exactly where you pick your soldier up at. Here is some information that will help you.
Your soldier should arrive at 1 of 2 possible gates. When your soldier receives his/her itinerary they will be able to tell you what terminal they will be arriving at.
If your soldier is arriving at Terminal B, gate B33. Here is a map that will show you this location.
This is the "Panoramic Tour" for Terminal B.
On this map if you look for gate B33 there are two dots. The lower dot is for Troop Arrivals. If you click on this dot it will give you a panoramic view of the arrival area.
If your soldier will be arriving at Terminal D you will greet them at the International Arrivals area. When arriving in this terminal it does not matter what their arrival gate is. All Terminal D arrivals are international flights and all passengers must go through the customs area. All Terminal D arrivals will go to the International Arrivals area.
Here are two maps that will help you see where you need to be.
Click here to view Terminal D.
On this map there is a "Terminal Legend".
There is a person waving holding a bag.
This is the icon for International Arrivals.
If you look just to the right of the center of the terminal you will see this icon.
On the right-side column of the Terminal D map there is a link for "Panoramic Terminal D"
Make sure you have "Lower Level" selected.
In the very center, between gates D22 and D23, there is the blue dot for International Arrivals. If you click this dot you will get a panoramic view of the the arrival area.
Picking up your soldier from the DFW airport is an amazing experience. There is always a crowd of USO volunteers, members of the local VFWs, and various other organizations. There may even be a former President there. You never know who is going to show up. Everyone is eager to shakes hands and welcome each and every soldier home. There will be signs. There will be people cheering. There may even be a couple of older ladies with pom poms. There are referred to as the Grandmas, make sure to say hi, they are amazing ladies.
There will be someone there to greet family members as they arrive. Don't be suprised at the welcome you will receive. They also recognize the sacrifice that the family members make and they are happy to tell you so and thank you for your service. You will also be walked to the head of the line so your soldier sees you first.
If you are not given one, make sure to ask any of the USO volunteers for a parking voucher. This will provide you with free parking.
Everyone loves to hear a good homecoming story. If you would like to share yours please let us know. We would love to post it on the blog!
