D.C. United's players and staff are used to crowds and attention when they are at the airport. Today, the team returned the honor by joining fellow flyers and families to welcome home U.S. soldiers returning from duty.
After making it through security for a mid-afternoon flight to Houston for Sunday's match, the team stumbled upon something special – a homecoming for four Army National Guard members returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. As the four Guardsmen arrived, United players shook their hands and thanked them for their service. In return, the soldiers wished United luck in the game tomorrow night against Houston.
United midfielder Perry Kitchen shared the news via his Twitter account:
United defender Robbie Russell and goalkeeper Joe Willis held a banner that read "Welcome! Thank you for serving." The rest of the team joined, cheering and shaking hands as each soldier stepped off the plane. Russell, expressed his gratitude, saying “it’s always good to see people who put their lives on the line in service of our country. Today was a privilege and honor to greet them and let them know that they are appreciated. I’m definitely happy to know that they are home safe.”
Two other flyers noticed the team's gesture and shared the news:
Several players have close connections to the U.S. military. Perry Kitchen's and Danny Cruz's fathers served. Also, the players and team regularly support the USO with events and preparing care packages.
