Operation Welcome Home—Maryland!

Last updated July 30, 2008

What to Do—Suggestions for Volunteers

We offer the following suggestions to make operations run more smoothly.

· First, get signed up on our mailing list—use the “Contact Us” link below to send us an email with your name, email address and phone number

· We will email you with dates and times for upcoming events. Please note that we provide a 1-1/2 to 2 hour time window for when you can expect the troops to return – sometimes they come early, sometimes late

· It is extremely important that you let us know ahead of time if you plan on attending one of the events by sending us an email, and include a cell phone number (or home phone if no cell phone) in case we need to contact you with last minute changes

· If you decide to come at the last minute, call the leader for that specific event to make sure there have been no changes before you head over.

· One of the easiest ways to get to the event is to ride the Light Rail.  Make sure you get on the one that goes to BWI—it drops you off right at the  International Terminal at the airport

· If you drive, you can park in the hourly parking for short stays (free for first ½ hour then $2 for each ½ hour after that).  For anything over two hours, you may wish to park at a cheaper parking garage/lot like PreFlight, see their website at http://www.preflightparking.com/BWI.aspx or Airport Fast Park for $6.90 per day at http://www.airportfastpark.com/main/baltimorecoupon.aspx.  .  You can get a coupons online for either one. We are working to get a better deal for our volunteers. 

· When you arrive at BWI Airport, come to the International Flight Arrival section on the lower level near customs (this is the final gate on the lower level just past Baggage Claims 13-14)

· Wear something patriotic and feel free to bring signs welcoming our troops home and thanking them for their service

· Please also consider bringing some prepackaged snacks, bottled water, handmade cards from children, etc. that we will use to bundle up treat bags for them onsite.  Most of the arriving troops are not local and will be waiting for a connecting flight and are hungry, thirsty, and tired

· General Flight Information: To find out the time of the arrival, call 72 hours
prior, the Air Mobility Command has an automated line for scheduled
flights: 410-918-6900. (press 1 x2) Most flights arriving from Ramstein
have returning troops on board. It's important to check it once again
early in the morning the day of arrival as it has been known to change.

· Other things you can do:

1.   Help the USO at BWI - USO Metro DC Website

2.   Donate airline miles: www.heromiles.org

3.   Donate time to help Maryland Chapter of Operation Homefront