Reaching out

Image courtesy: Layne Murdoch/USO

The look on the returning soldier's face above says it all: U.S. troops flying through Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Wednesday were shocked when former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush were waiting to greet them. Standing at a USO station, the Bushes shook hands, gave hugs, and posed for pictures with returning volunteer warriors.

"My son is presently serving in Afghanistan. It moves me so much to see his former Commander in Chief welcoming our troops home," Barbara Thomas wrote on the USO Dallas/Fort Worth Facebook page. "I can really see just how much the Bushes sincerely appreciate our military."

Gestures of kindness to our troops are not political, and President Barack Obama has also went to significant lengths to thank our brave men and women in uniform since taking office. On August 7, the commander-in-chief brought several current and former NBA stars, including LeBron James and Magic Johnson, to play an All-Star basketball game for an audience of wounded veterans at Fort McNair. The event was not a photo-op, as media coverage inside the gym was not allowed.

Back in November 2009, President Obama hosted a group of wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The heroes played a wheelchair basketball game for the commander-in-chief, who stayed the entire game and met personally with the veterans after its conclusion.

"On behalf of the Wounded Warriors Regiment, the colonel and sergeant major here and all of the wounded warriors we have here, I would like to present you a plaque," Sgt. Marcus Wilson said after the game. "We appreciate you having us here and taking your time."

While the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will continue to have supporters and detractors, it is refreshing to see both post-9/11 presidents taking such an active role in publicly recognizing the extraordinary men and women of the U.S. military. It sets a good example for the rest of the country and helps boost morale for troops assigned to difficult missions. Most importantly, it's the right thing to do.