Welcoming Home the Troops

Pat Solomon is good people. But then so are all the folks who volunteer for the USO.

Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Charles Crouchman nearly teared up as he arrived to their cheers and applause. It was a warm welcome after seven months in Afghanistan. After clearing customs, he headed for the USO, where he was grateful to be able to call his wife and daughter in Schenectady, N.Y., for free.

"You always know with the USO, you've got a phone to use, Internet to use, a place to sit down and relax or watch a movie," Sgt. Crouchman said. "That's a blessing."

From a grateful nation.