[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. : )

[leadpenny]

Thanks for the story. Brought tears to my eyes.

[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.