	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE		Contact: David Ward
	January 18, 2008		(202) 225-3484

Congressman Hensarling Greets Returning Servicemen and Women at DFW

WASHINGTON - On Tuesday, January 15, 2008, U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling (TX-05) participated in the Welcome Home Hero program at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and greeted returning servicemen and women coming home for two week furloughs from Iraq and

Afghanistan

. Over 150 soldiers, airmen, and marines disembarked at DFW on January 15 on their way home to rest, relax, and most importantly, visit their families.

“I was honored to be a part of this incredibly special occasion and to welcome home these brave servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much on behalf of our nation,” Congressman Hensarling said. “These men and women have bravely fought to protect our way of life, and we owe them all the recognition and gratitude that heroes deserve.”

Welcome Home Hero is a program administered by the North Texas Commission in conjunction with the DFW United Service Organizations (USO). Last Spring, Congressman Hensarling signed on as a dedicated co-sponsor of H.Res. 391, a resolution recognizing the employees of DFW, the North Texas Commission, and the USO for their dedication to the Welcome Home Hero program.

In addition to greeting the returning troops, Congressman Hensarling toured the DFW USO facilities, which include relaxation areas for the troops, a game room, computers, phones, and a café. Everyday, over 100 servicemen and women come through DFW on their way home for two weeks of Rest and Recuperation (R&R). Through the Welcome Home Hero program, thousands of returning troops since have been greeted since the R&R flights began in November, 2004.

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