The Augustin Clayton Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution has been recruited by Wally Wallace to assist the Atlanta Chapter of the USO in providing services to U.S. troops who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Located at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the USO canteen sees hundreds of military personnel pass through its doors each week. Members of the Augustin Clayton DAR Chapter volunteer to work one Sunday every other month on average to assist troops and their families. The ladies are posted at the top of the escalators to greet these heroic servicemen and women who are returning to the U.S. for their two weeks of R&R. Other ladies direct the soldiers and marines who are returning to their duties in war zones toward the USO canteen. Here the soldiers and marines are processed for their return flights to Germany and to their final duty stations. All DAR workers participate in escorting the military members through the airport's atrium and to their gates for boarding.

"It's an incredible experience," commented chapter regent Becky West of Fayetteville. "We're all filled with gratitude for the sacrifices made by these service members. When you see the general public-- people in the atrium and in the restaurants-- standing up and clapping as these soldiers pass by, you're so proud and honored to play even a small role in supporting these individuals."

The soldiers' families hug and thank the volunteers of the Augustin Clayton DAR Chapter. With tears in their eyes as they watch their children and grandchildren march off to war, the families are grateful for these ladies' efforts to provide a small measure of comfort for their heroes. Through donations, the USO provides phone cards to the soldiers so they can call their loved ones one more time.

The DAR has supported patriots and veterans for well over 100 years. The Augustin Clayton DAR Chapter serves the tri-county area of Fayette, Henry and Clayton counties.

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