Don Gallupe
Don Gallupe’s story is one of courage, resilience, and a deep sense of duty; qualities that have shaped not only his life but also the lives of those he’s touched along the way.
The Early Years:
Born on February 6, 1924, Don grew up on Union Street in Bangor, Maine, one of eight siblings in a bustling household. At Bangor High School, ROTC wasn’t just an extracurricular- it was a rite of passage. While most boys completed the mandatory two years, Don’s dedication saw him through a third, setting the stage for what was to come.
Military Service
Don’s path led him to the Army Air Corps, where he was selected as a gunner on the formidable P-61 “Black Widow” night fighter. Stationed in New Guinea, he flew dangerous missions over the Pacific, each flight a gamble with fate. In late 1944, disaster struck-a crash left Don hospitalized for months, his future uncertain. “Through the training and so forth, it’s quite an experience to know whether you’re going to make it or not,” he reflected.
During his long recovery in New Guinea and Australia, Don found solace in an unexpected place: his harmonica. Taught to play in fourth grade, the instrument became his companion and comfort. In the hospital, he played old western tunes for his wounded bunk-mates, offering a taste of home and hope in the darkest days.
After eight months in foreign hospitals, Don returned to Bangor and built a new life. He entered banking, managing the Merchants National Bank’s Brewer branch-a symbol of the region’s postwar growth. He married Pat, raised three children, and settled into the rhythms of civilian life.
The Maine Troop Greeters
In 2003, as American troops once again shipped out to war, a friend invited Don to greet them at Bangor International Airport. With his wartime experience and warm presence, Don became one of the original Maine Troop Greeters. Night after night, he welcomed soldiers-often in the quiet, lonely hours when few others were awake. For many, Don’s harmonica became a highlight, as he played classics like “You Are My Sunshine” and “Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” drawing troops together and lifting spirits. One night, in November, 2011, Don found himself shaking hands with “Captain Wales”-better known as Prince Harry-among a group of British troops refueling on their way to California
Don’s impact stretched beyond the terminal. As a founding member of the Maine Troop Greeters’ board of directors, he helped transform the organization into a model of efficiency and compassion, ensuring that every returning soldier felt the gratitude of a nation. He helped bring order and stability, and created a smoothly running 501-C3 non-profit organization.
How his WWII service influenced him as a troop greeter
- Deep Empathy for Troops: Having served as a young soldier himself-thrust into leadership roles straight out of high school and facing the uncertainty and dangers of war-Don understood firsthand the anxiety, fear, and homesickness that deploying troops often feel. This empathy enabled him to connect with service members on a personal level, offering comfort and reassurance during their brief stops in Bangor.
- Leadership and Composure: Don’s early command responsibilities and the discipline instilled by his ROTC and military training gave him a calm, steady presence. This helped him serve as a reassuring figure for troops, especially during late-night and early-morning shifts when the airport was quiet and emotions could run high.
- Shared Experience and Respect: Don’s own combat and recovery experiences, including his time as a wounded veteran, allowed him to relate to the challenges faced by modern soldiers. His presence as a fellow veteran conveyed respect and solidarity, making his greetings especially meaningful to those heading into or returning from conflict.
- Music as Comfort: During his WWII recovery, Don found solace in playing the harmonica-a skill he brought to his Troop Greeter role. By playing familiar songs for troops, he created moments of warmth and nostalgia, helping to ease their stress and remind them of home, just as music had comforted him and his fellow soldiers decades earlier.
- A Sense of Duty: Don’s lifelong commitment to service, shaped by his wartime experiences and the sacrifices of his family, motivated him to continue giving back. Becoming a Troop Greeter was a way to honor that legacy and support a new generation of service members.
Don continued greeting troops for as long as he could, most recently in 2024, at the remarkable age of 101. Though he can no longer make it to the airport, the memories of those countless handshakes, smiles, and songs remain vivid-a testament to a life spent in service, both in war and in peace. Don Gallupe’s story is more than a chronicle of battles and branches. It’s the tale of a man who never stopped giving back, whose harmonica and handshake offered comfort to generations of soldiers far from home.
