An Iraq Soldier’s Day at Chicago O’Hare (Vanity)

Me | 2-7-2007 | Me

[COEXERJ145]

This past Sunday I was flying through Chicago from Houston. While I was waiting at Chicago O’Hare for my flight to Springfield, a flight at an adjoining gate was preparing to board. Sitting amongst all the people waiting on their flights was one soldier.

The United Airlines gate agent announced that they were preparing to board a flight starting with first class. However, before first class could begin boarding she said “But before we begin boarding first class, United would like to allow” (and I cannot for the life of me remember the soldier’s name) “who just came home from Iraq to board before the rest of the first class passengers.” Everyone in that area of the terminal erupted into applause.

I just wanted to share this story as I think it was nice what United did as well as everyone in the terminal showing respect for a man who had been risking his life to defend this nation.

[Carolinamom]

Thanks for posting this.....It's so nice to know that human decency is not dead.

[Chgogal]

Wow, what a lovely story! You made my day. I'll have to fly United more often.

Yup, FR has been very negative of late. Just people pointing out the negative with NO POSITIVE COMMENTS OR SOLUTIONS, even though they claim expertise in their field. Oh well, I guess they are not expert enough to change things for the positive. ;)

But you did your fair share by posting this story. Your thread was most welcome. Again thank you. What a wonderful thing to witness. : )

[windchime]

Thanks for sharing your story. It's good to see appreciation for the soldier's service.

[redgirlinabluestate]

Oh, this is good to hear! Patriotism and appreciation of our troops is still alive and well. Sometimes you wonder....

[Gondring]

Thanks for posting such a great story. It helps to overcome a recent negative airport/military experience.

When my brother arrived from Iraq on leave, his daughter came running toward him with joy. I guess the TSA had a report of a blonde, blue-eyed 2-year-old security threat, since they quite roughly nabbed the poor kid and terrified her!

[daybreakcoming]

Well you did the trick for a positive thread. :o) Thank you!

I hope this soldier lets his buddies back in Iraq know about this. They need to hear it.

[screaming eagle2]

Ok,all you soldiers,sailors,airmen,marines,and veterans;Let's hear it for Umited and for the troops!!! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!(Take that,Mr arkin)

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Great post!
Thanks!
A bump and a PING!!
Ms.B

[blam]

Bravo.

[Theresawithanh]

Late to the party, but had to bump this great thread! Thanks for sharing with us what happened! God bless the men and women of the United States military.

(P.S. You are darn right about all the negativity here on FR these days.)

[leadpenny]

Thanks for the story. Brought tears to my eyes.

[MEG33]

Amen..Thanks for sharing the welcome home to our brave warrior!

[MuttTheHoople]

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid deeply saddened.

[EmilyGeiger]

THank you. Very much needed thread!

[Molly Pitcher]

Thanks for the report. I was flying Delta into Atlanta just before Thanksgiving. A half hour before we landed, one of the flight attendants announced that the co-pilot had recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan. The passengers all erupted into grateful applause, and when the man made a brief appearance at the exit door some of us were able to thank him in person as we deplaned.

[Miss Marple]

Thanks for a positive story! I am pleased to bump this up to the top of the list!

[Andonius_99]

Reasons like that are why, when I fly, I fly United...they are really a classy airline. Never had a bad experience with them.

[Steel Wolf]

That is a good story, and one I wish were more common. My friends and I, being former military, often bump into troops on their way out or way back. We never fail to ask them where they're going, where they've been, and could they use a drink? It's great to see their initally guarded response melt away into relief and openness. Once they realize that there are people out there that support them, and care that they make it back in one piece, they open right up and tell you everything.

What that airline pilot did cost them nothing. Buying a round or two is no great burden either. But stuff like that gives troops stories that they'll never forget. On my way to some hellhole, I ran into a Vietnam vet who bought drinks for my whole team, and regaled us with his own stories while asking about ours. I'll never forget that, and I hope the troops now can get that same kind of experience, too. Even a quick, "Hey, thanks for your service, we're proud of you" while passing in an airport can make a soldier's whole week.

[ken5050]

I trust United moved him up to First Class...