After he left I pulled the ticket out of its jacket and say that it was a first class seat, and it was issued to his company as a business ticket. I wrote back to the company based in San Fransisco offering to pay for the ticket and act of kindness. The secretary that returned the letter advised me that the companies owner was well aware of the fact that one of there tickets had been given to a sailor in need, he appreciated the thanks, but would refuse any offers of repayment. The last line from the secretary caught me though. She stated that the owner wanted to remind me that all I needed to do was remember the kindness of a stranger in a time of need.
I see thing like this happen and reminds me that all the bad we see in the media on a daily basis that small tokens like this, may not mean a lot to some, but to the soldier or sailor it may mean all the world. I think those who offer of the selves like the passengers on this flight deserve much thanks also for show respect and compassion to their fellow man.... something I don't think so of our liberal country people understand hence the don't report it in the news. Thanks for posting this great article. And thank you all for allowing me to share a bit of myself. God Bless our soldiers overseas and at home, and God Bless the USA.
Thanks for the great story...I have tears.
It is time for stories like these to make it out into the light.
Thanks for sharing!
and while I was very talented at padding my expense account..that "considerable" bar tab was never submitted...
While in the Army I was stuck at Dallas Airport, 1982. I had money so went to the Hyatt right at the Airport.
Got on the elevator, duffle bag and suitcase in hands. Two older guys got on a floor above. They were not going up they said, but when the doors opened and they saw a Uniform They could not resist.
They had both been in World War II, were glad to see the younger generation taking the oath. They carried my bags to my door. Said good bye, good luck.
The next morning I went ot pay my bill and they had already done so.
They didn't say remember the act of strangers but I did.
After I ETS'ed I was in Atlanta, my flight was the next morning. I shipped my stuff. So was traveling light. The next morning while paying my bill, There were 2 soldiers waiting to go to JFK at the hotel. I payed their bill. And payed for the cab to the airport.
It is people like these stories that you hear about, and you know hope for America is not lost yet.
Thanks for your service "Swabbie" :o)
Since you spent some time in MKE you might appreciate this.
I went to my favorite diner this past Saturday for a late breakfast [located at Lincoln and KK]. I had forgotten about the Southshore Water Frolics, and the streets were blocked off for the parade. So I parked a couple of blocks away, and walked.
After I ordered breakfast, the waitress started telling me a story [they know me pretty well]. At 6:45 that morning, the police came in and said all the cars had to be moved by 7AM.
Now she had just served two guys freshly back from Iraq. Being 78 years young, wearing a flag pin, she said "Oooh, did that piss me off! Here are two guys that were getting shot at for their country and they can't even finish their breakfast!"
So, of course, she goes out in the street and starts yelling at the cops 'who do you think you are'! etc. etc.
The cops asked if it was OK if they moved their cars by 7:30. Fine.
What a great story. I asked if they came there often, and she said they would be there the next day. I gave her money for their breakfast, which fortunately was enough to cover their buddy that came in as well.
An honor and a pleasure. Well worth every penny.
It is an image I will never forget. A Lady that remembers Pearl Harbor running out into the street to protect Her Boys.
Thank You for your service.
God Bless America.