The Atlanta Lawyer December 2011/January 2012 | Page 13

spirit of the season Feed the Troops By Harold W. (Hal) Whiteman Dennis Corry Porter & Smith [email protected] A fter the Iraq war began, Atlanta became a main point of departure for America’s sons and daughters who were being sent to war. Anyone travelling in the Atlanta airport, especially during the holiday season, couldn’t miss all the service members in camouflaged uniforms, making their way trough the terminal. Many travelers like me, would thank them or offer to buy them a sandwich or cup of coffee. It was the least anyone could do. What I was amazed to learn is that the Defense Department does not provide any per diem expenses to troops while on leave; they only receive round trip airfare from the war zone to the city closest to their home. In December, 2003, I, along with a few other attorneys began discussing how sad it was that during this festive time of year, our soldiers were being shipped to a war zone and not being provided any meals along the way. We decided we would go to the airport and treat them to a Holiday lunch. I took a buddy of mine who is a retired Army major, and we discussed this with members of the airport USO office. We explained what we were hoping to do, but they felt they “had it covered.” It was apparent that if we were going to do something we had to do it on our own, so I invited some friends, both Bar members and others, to meet me at Houlihan’s restaurant, next to the USO suite, where we would buy lunch for anyone we saw in uniform. That first December we had a handful of folks from different backgrounds, one of which was a client of mine whose son was a Marine in Iraq. Some were retired military, but mostly they were attorneys, like me that wanted to show our appreciation. That first year we did our best but only managed to feed about 30 service members. Since 2003, we have continued to meet annually, at Houlihan’s, and feed as many troops as possible. The roster of volunteers has gradually grown to over 20, and almost all are attorneys. We have fed as many as 200 soldiers in a day and often fed their family members as well, as they prepared to say their final goodbyes. These men and women are some of the finest people I have ever met. They are always incredibly appreciative and gracious. One master sergeant told me that he had been in the Army 15 years but no one The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association had ever bought him a meal. We are quick to tell them that it is we who are grateful to them. The best part of this experience is sitting down with our troops and listening to their stories about their homes and families. We rarely talk about the war or the politics. After all, even though they are all volunteers, very few asked to be sent to battle. It is hard however to listen to their stories and see their enthusiasm, knowing that in a few hours they will be on a flight to Kabul, Kuwait or Afghanistan. I will never forget the young girl from the Minnesota National Guard who was being deployed to Iraq just months after graduating from high school. She sobbed into my shoulder as I tried to comfort her. What do you say at a time like that? Before they leave, they always ask, “what group are y ou with” and we reply, “just U.S. Citizens who are proud of you.” I am so grateful to all who have helped in this mission over these years, and would be remiss if I did not thank Frank Burns, Warner Fox, Chuck Hamilton, Calder Ehrmann, and Stan Brading, members of the Bar who have been there from the beginning. Make the most of your Atlanta Bar membership by sharing with other members your photo and areas of practice. Log-in to the website and update your online profile at www.atlantabar.org December 2011/January 2012 THE ATLANTA LAWYER 13