Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Lt. Bret Ficklin says it comes down to respect.
“We’ll be escorting wounded warriors,” he says. “This is something I don't have to ask for volunteers to help with. People jump at the opportunity to do this.”
Police officers, firefighters and TSA agents lined up on Thursday to welcome American servicemen and women arriving at Harry Reid International Airport.
It was part of the annual Salute to the Troops hosted by MGM Resorts.
“These folks are dedicated to the country and want to serve the country,” says Ficklin. “If not for their dedication, we would not be enjoying the safety and freedom we enjoy.”
One of those heroes is U.S. Army veteran Jeremy Haynes. He was shot four times while serving in Afghanistan back in 2014.
Today, he is confined to a wheelchair.
“I'm grateful to be alive and I appreciate every single day,” he says, adding that the warm welcome matters. “This honor, having brothers in arms who take care of the home front, police officers, it definitely means a lot and it's truly touching for me,”
MGM Resorts has been hosting wounded warriors for 12 years, treating the service members and their families to five days of relaxation and entertainment.
LVMPD has provided the escort to the hotel every year. Far from another day on the job, Lt. Ficklin calls it an honor that holds special meaning for his team.
“If we can do something to show appreciation for what they do, that goes a long way,” he says.
Five officers volunteered to adjust their schedules to take part in leading the buses carrying the wounded warriors off the tarmac and to Mandalay Bay, this year’s host property.
“I think it’s an absolutely wonderful trip,” says U.S. Army vet Tyler Jeffries. “ Just hanging out with all the other veterans, I think that's going to be the coolest part of it.”
As the buses pulled into the hotel parking lot, another welcome committee was waiting.
A band played as hundreds of MGM employees lined the hallway near Shark Reef to show their appreciation.
“As a reservist in the Air Force and as an MGM employee, it's the best day of the year for us,” smiles John Flynn, the vice president of administration. "Saying thank you on Veterans Day. We get to show the love.”
For Haynes it’s five days of R&R that he says are needed.
“Oftentimes when that veteran transitions out of the military, most people think your fight is over. But for many, the fight has just begun,” he explains. “Just on a different front. Whether it's emotionally, physically or the struggles of transitioning back into today's society.”
This trip is a chance to hit pause while a grateful nation celebrates him and his fellow service members on Veterans Day and beyond.
“What's a better place to do it than the adult playground of the U.S.,” he laughs. “And that's Vegas, baby.”