Troop Greeters will once again be allowed to offer snacks to military personnel transiting through Bangor.  Bangor International and the Maine Troop Greeters have established a list of approved snacks that can be distributed by the volunteer organization.  These items include hard candy, commercially prepared cookies, and bite size candy bars. Everyone involved recognizes the importance of providing a heroes’ reception for our military members without compromising food safety.

Following a meeting with Airport officials, Dwight Cressy, Adjutant for the Maine Troop Greeter organization and member of the Maine Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1761 stated, “The relationship between the Airport and the Troop Greeters has always been wonderful and supportive. We have also had a continuously good relationship with the snack bar.”

To reinitiate the food distribution program, Bangor International will supply the Troop Greeters with sufficient snacks to handle all military traffic transiting through Bangor over the next week. In addition, the Airport’s concessionaire has also pledged a monetary donation to support the Greeter’s efforts.

According to Airport Director, Rebecca Hupp, “It is clear that we over-reacted by imposing a ban on food items.  While we had concerns over certain food items, particularly those that require refrigeration or special handling, a complete ban was not required or called for.  I would like to apologize to our troops, the Troop Greeters, and the community and thank those who communicated their concerns to us on this issue.”

Assistant Airport Director Tony Caruso also clarified the Airport’s relationship with its concessionaires.  “Our concessionaires have not complained to us and pledge to continue their support of the volunteers.  The concern over meeting the Airport’s contractual obligations to them was strictly on the part of the Airport.  Our concessionaires fully support the efforts of the Maine Troop Greeters.”

Bangor International Airport’s goal is to provide the best service possible to the military members serving our country.  The Airport and the troop greeters have worked well together over the years to ensure each service member receives the recognition they deserve. The Airport continues to support our military members and the troop greeters today and in the future.

Bangor International Airport is a full-service regional airport offering non-stop, affordable flights to Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Detroit, New York’s LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, and seasonal flights to Minneapolis.  The Airport is an enterprise funded entity operated by the City of Bangor and is supported solely through Airport generated revenue.

Contact:  Rebecca Hupp
Telephone:  207-992-4600
E-mail:  admin@flybangor.com