The soldiers land in groups of 200, usually after a grueling 16-hour flight*. The young soldiers arriving from Iraq for two weeks' R&R have become a familiar sight at Baltimore-Washington International Airport since the military launched its leave program Sept. 26.
The Pentagon launched the R&R rotation program, the largest since the Vietnam War, this summer. Baltimore's airport, already a major military gateway for troops stationed overseas, handles two flights a day -- one arriving and one departing.
Brenda Holmes, 21, a private from Philadelphia who was rejoining her unit, the 69th Chemical Battalion, said the last week's attack made her think twice about boarding a plane.
"Every day, people die," she said. "I really didn't want to go back."
*with stop in Germany.
BTW @ Baltimore Int' Airport one can still see
taking off daily for MARTHA'S VINEYARD & NEW LONDON / GROTON. Panam's flight numbers are now PN3475, PN3830, PN3864. You should find them @ Gate E2 And Bart,
comes in @ 17.50 from MYRTLE BEACH @ Gate C10