You say goodbye or you say hello. Or both. Operation Send-Off is dedicated to ensuring that troops leaving for or returning from deployment have the proper send-off and an honorable welcome home. It currently operates at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport with plans to expand to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The idea was conceived to exhibit appreciation and support to offset the presence of protesters. The nonprofit group also sends care packages to warfighters overseas and is developing a mobile canteen to visit military bases throughout the world. As part of its efforts, the organization supports and comforts military family members as well.

Volunteers are critical for the success of Operation Send-Off’s efforts, and help is needed in several areas such as package preparation, fundraising, administrative duties, general nonprofit support and, of course, seeing troops off and cheering their return. Donations also are greatly appreciated since the organization has very limited funds. Stephen Butler, the media relations contact for the organization, who also served in the Marine Corps and is an active volunteer, says the money the organization receives is spent quickly to buy drinks and other items for the troops once they pass through security. Butler brings his seeing-eye dog Sgt. Maj. Blaze with him to his airport visits and has found that the pooch draws attention from even the shyest soldiers, who then talk about their canines. Blaze also serves as a comfort to children who have said goodbye to a parent. Children can e-mail Blaze at blaze@operationsendoff.org and will receive a response.

Anyone interested in volunteering can request more information by e-mailing volunteers@operationsendoff.org. Those interested in scheduling a group to go to the Dallas airport should e-mail operations@operationsendoff.org. People in other locations who want to support similar activities can e-mail Butler at Stephen.Butler@operationsendoff.org. Additional contact information and resources are available online, including links to other military support groups and photographs.