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Jul 4, 2008 5:00 am US/Central
Texan With Character: Bert Brady
DFW AIRPORT (CBS 11 News) ―
Just about every morning Bert Brady drives 30 miles to DFW International Airport to help welcome home the troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I don't count days," he says noting that in 2007 he spent more than 300 days at the airport in this volunteer post.
"We did those fellows in Vietnam so horribly -- not all of us -- but some people very, very badly. I don't want it to happen again. Sad situation … not going to let it happen again."
Through his work with the Welcome Home A Hero Program Brady figures he's shaken thousands of hands.
"You can tell when they come through. If there's a cold look in their eyes, something happened to them. We don't know what it is."
Instead, Brady greets them with encouraging words of: "Nice to have you guys home, thanks, appreciate your service."
He believes the support helps aid the troops toward recovery.
"When they come through line, I know it helps them five percent … big step toward recovery. And, that's why I come."
Sgt. Marcus Nettles, who recently returned home, agrees.
"We need that, coming from where we are coming back from. Good to come home and have that support system."
Brady served in the Army in the late 1950s and is sometimes joined by his wife at the airport.
With or without his spouse at his side – or even bad weather, Brady heads to the airport to greet the troops so they can have a friendly face and kind word.
Click here to sign up to join Brady and others at the airport the next time troops come home.
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