Support Our Troops

Netfotoj · Sep 6, 2007

Got this in an email today. Hope it's true. Our troops deserve a lot better from the "home front" than they got when they came home from "my war" back in the '60s and '70s. I for one am hoping for a better outcome, too.

I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a long, uneventful flight home.

With the huge capacity and slow moving people taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead and never paying much attention to holding up the growing line behind them, I simply shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very well. I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on my issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together.

I knew I couldn't say a word so I just thumbed thru the "Sky Mall" magazine from the seat pocket in front of me.

You know it's really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky mall crap to break the monotony.

With everyone finally seated, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the airline industry is in trouble I told myself.

Just then, the attendant came on the intercom to inform us all that we were being delayed.

The entire plane let out a collective groan.

She resumed speaking to say "We are holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than 5 minutes.

The word came after waiting six times as long as we were promised that I was finally going to be on my way home.

Why the hoopla over "these" folks?

I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold up ..

Just get their butts in a seat and let's hit the gas I thought.

The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several U.S. Marines returning home from Iraq !!!

Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into applause.

The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them as they searched for their seats.

They were having their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's distance of them as they passed down the aisle. One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines as he passed by her.

The applause, whistles and cheering didn't stop for a long time.

When we were finally airborne, I was not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "me" getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote in my hand

These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining silently about "me" and "my" issues I took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the American way of life.

I took for granted that others had paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" while those Heroes were going home to their loved ones.

I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed, I suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker a request for everyone to remain in their seats until our heroes were allowed to gather their things and be first off the plane.

The cheers and applause continued until the last Marine stepped off and we all rose to go about our too often taken for granted everyday freedoms

I felt proud of them.

I felt it an honor and a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and say "Thank You for a job well done!"

I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the lesson learned. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU to those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may read this and a prayer for those who cannot because they are no longer with us.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

WELCOME HOME! AND THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!!!
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babj615 · Sep 6, 2007

Excellent, and Inspiring post.....

...I hope it is not 'overlooked' those here at SteyrClub....

Thanks, Netfoto...

socofn · Sep 6, 2007

GOD BLESS and keep all those young men and women selflessly serving our country. JP

73sbVert · Sep 6, 2007

I travel a LOT for my job and spend plenty of time in various airports. Inevitably, I almost always run into a SSAM coming or going to the sandbox, and I buy them a beer every time! I figure it's the least I can do right now! Although I'm retired Navy, and still young enough to do a tour or 2 over there, they won't accept me because of my VA disability status. Plus, I feel that I'm contributing anyway, the gun systems that I am testing are all over Iraq protecting the various camps from rocket and mortar attacks (so far, 50 for 50 successful engagements!)

The Army just bought some more, and I'll be running THEM through the ringer next year as well!

Good post, and I wish that occurs more often than can be posted!

:cheers:
Paul

West01 · Sep 6, 2007

Great post NetfotoJ. A positive and refreshing story about people that understand what is important......in a time were the media are saturating us us with negative B*S*...

Thanks! (I needed this).

West01

QPluralisT · Sep 6, 2007

Probably not true, but a good message to it none the less. It's always nice to see those folks leaving the airport.

SELFDEFENSE · Sep 8, 2007

I hope it is actually true.

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