BANGOR, Maine—For most air travelers, an unexpected layover is something to be dreaded. But a daylong delay in Bangor was a bonus for 35 soldiers with ties to Maine.
The soldiers thought they'd be making only a refueling stop at the Bangor International Airport, but the jet's departure was delayed for hours Thursday because of a mechanical problem.
Sgt. Shawn Hall was able to make arrangements for his 11-year-old daughter, Courtney, to travel to Bangor from Ellsworth for a brief visit. Spc. Cody Myers of Augusta was welcomed by his fiancee, Suzanne Fischer, who lives in Milford and is a student at the University of Maine.
The Maine group had been in Iraq since August 2007 as part of the 169th Military Police Company. The soldiers will return to Maine next week after being processed in Fort Dix, N.J.
