Bangor, Maine, International Airport: Model Workplace

During the summer, I have the good fortune of spending some time in Maine. Almost always, we fly into and out of Bangor. Depending on flight schedules, changes and delays, we’ve flown in and out at almost any time of the day or night.

Bangor is the airport where numerous troops going to or returning from Iraq or Afghanistan stop over. It’s not unusual for there to be what seems to be hundreds of military men and women roaming around the airport, using computers, talking on cellphones, getting a bite to eat, or just hanging out with each other.

Each time troops fly into or out of Bangor, the Maine Troop Greeters are there. Composed of veterans and Mainers who want to show support for our troops, these greeters bring handshakes, hugs, blankets, Bibles, cellphones, flags, snacks, and other gifts of friendship for these brave young people whom almost not a single greeter knows. There’s no telling how many times the greeters say “Thank you” or “God bless you” or “Good luck, or “See you when you return.” It’s a model workplace of friendship and support.

It’s also a model workplace from another standpoint. The young soldiers would be the envy of any employer that takes diversity seriously. Men, women, white, African-American, Latino, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian American, Arab American. While the troops and greeters are there, one sees a veritable melting pot of Americans, all wanting to do the right thing.

As far as the troops and greeters are concerned, the Bangor International Airport operates 24 hours a day. For the troops, greeters, and observers, the laughter and appreciation are abundant. The tears and heartache are genuine. For a while, it’s a model workplace in every respect.