The Way We Get By

Part of the group known as the Maine Troop Greeters, Bill, Jerry, and Joan are three senior citizens who have dedicated their time over the past several years by greeting over 700,000 men and women returning to the United States from war zones. At any hour of the day or night, they receive calls from the Bangor International Airport with information on incoming flights filled with troops. As soon as the troops get off the plane, they are given handshakes, hugs, and cell phones to call their loved ones. The main mission for the troop greeters is to give the soldiers the opportunity to forget the horrors of the battlefield, even though these three unsung heroes are fighting battles of their own. Bill is having financial troubles and is currently battling cancer, Jerry is experiencing heart problems and dealing with the loss of his best friend, and Joan is struggling with her own health issues and watching two of her grandchildren leave to do a year-long tour overseas. The strongest weapon these three seniors have to fight their battles is by doing good for others, and as they believe – it's THE WAY WE GET BY. Bill, Jerry and Joan will serve as an inspiration to all as they work to bring two divergent generations together as one. – L.W.