Returning soldiers receive surprise at DIA
DENVER - Airman 1st Class Justin McMahon arrived at Denver International expecting to walk in peace from his plane to baggage claim. Instead, he was the recipient of a whole lot of thanks and applause.

"I wasn't expecting that," but it felt good," McMahon said. "I joined to fight for our country. Seeing all that support warms my heart."

Those waving American flags and applauding the effort of all soldiers is a band of civilians who want to show their appreciation during the holidays.

Ken Whatmore is one of those leading the cheers.

"I watched an Anheuser Busch commercial that showed several people clapping in an airport and then several followed along, and I thought: we should do that - that's a commercial, but we should really do it," says Whatmore.

And they are.

Word has spread via e-mail and the social networking website Facebook. One company even has given employees a paid day off to come down to the airport to show support.

Support for people like Airman 1st Class Justin McMahon, who is heading back to Petersen Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. He appreciates being appreciated.