For our Veterens pt3 Omaha Beech Kid

[Robby]

For our veterans both here and abroad, I saw this on a friends Facebook page, and even though it has nothing to do with fibro, per-say, it does describe what it's like. But more importantly it pays honor to all those that served, especially those that survived just not completely.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10205339366303770

[looneylane]

I saw this on a PTSD group last week it is pretty powerful when it comes to "Invisible" illnesses even when the results are very visible people just do not understand.

[foxgrove]

  Deep...  invisible scars.  Can't even imagine.

To those who have placed and those who continue to place their lives between us and harm, thank you... for everything.

[Barberian]

Being I'm American, this applies for me. No disrespect intended for other countries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1wLtAXDgqg

Best way I can think of showing respect for fellow veterans at the moment.

[looneylane]

Nothing disrespectful there at all!

[Robby]

[Robby]

In case you haven't noticed, I am very proud of our veterens, war or peace time. I wasn't able to serve even though I wanted to. I think that has given me a special desire to honor all of the great men, women and K-9's that have served. Especially those that gave the ultimate sacrifce. (I'm sitting here with tears on my cheeks just to think about this). I wish I could pay a visit the the family of every soldier that has died in war since 1800, I really do.

I'll say it again, THANK YOU


I wish this was never, ever needed again. But, what this company does for your Fallen Hero's (real hero's), and even our fallen K-9 hero's is just outstanding.

http://www.thisblewmymind.com/watch-what-delta-airlines-does-for-fallen-soldier-and-his-k9/


Earlier this year, as our plane pushed from gate A19 in Atlanta, I observed a man standing alone on the ramp. He was prominently holding the American flag, paying tribute as our aircraft slowly taxied by.

Despite the hustle of ground vehicles and airplanes, time seemed to stand still as the flag gently waved in the breeze.

Beneath our feet, a fallen hero in a flag-draped casket was being escorted home to his final resting place.

Brian McConnell, the man who stood until our aircraft passed out of sight, is a member of the Delta Honor Guard and represents the airline as it helps carry home the remains of America's service women and men. I sat down with Brian; here's his story:

"For nearly a decade, I've stood alongside a dedicated group of Delta Air Lines volunteers rain or shine to pay respects to our nation's fallen heroes as they transit through the world's busiest airport. As a member of the Delta Honor Guard, we take great pride in the humbling task of making sure the remains of these military fallen are well cared for as they make their way home. 

The ceremony is somber yet dignified as we pull the casket from the belly of the aircraft while displaying each flag from the five branches of the military behind the saluting hand of the fallen's military escort. I recite a prayer while the remains are carefully secured in an awaiting, specially-made cart before turning to the escort to present with a Delta Honor Guard coin to be given to the fallen soldier's next of kin. 

It's a sobering experience to stand in tribute while customers on board the airplane and in the terminal as well as the family and escort look on, but it's our way of serving our country and ensuring our heroes are well cared for on their journey home.

The women and men of the employee-led Honor Guard, many of whom have served in the Armed Forces, have helped transport home more than 3,000 remains through Atlanta's airport. We've served soldiers of current conflicts as well as the repatriated remains of those from foreign conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, World War II and others. We also provide honorable tribute to first responders, firefighters and law enforcement.

http://takingoff.delta.com/post/102360983798/veteran-s-day-2014


Delta Flight 2255 from Atlanta to Los Angeles seemed to be an ordinary flight with the exception of Candy, who was the most loving flight attendant I've ever encountered. Besides using her southern charm to quickly defuse every situation, she began her welcome announcement by thanking the handful of uniformed soldiers on-board for serving our country. Her poignant message was followed by applause and put into perspective that none of us would be able to do what we do if it wasn't for these brave men and women.

But this transcontinental flight turned out to be everything but ordinary. We later learned, when the captain got on the PA system about 45 minutes prior to landing, that we were transporting a fallen soldier. The plane went quiet as he explained that there was a military escort on-board and asked that everyone remain seated for a couple of minutes so the soldiers could get off first. He also warned us not to be alarmed if we see fire trucks since Los Angeles greets their fallen military with a water canon salute. See my video below.

A few minutes after touchdown, we did indeed have a water canon salute, which I'd previously only experienced on happy occasions like inaugural flights. This time, the water glistening on the windowpanes looked like tears.

Passengers in the airport must have been worried when they saw our plane pull into gate 69A, as we had a full police and fire escort, front and back.

I was on the left side of the plane and later realized that the family could be seen off to the right, standing with the United States Army Honor Guard. According to Wikipedia, each military branch has its own honor guard, usually military in nature, and is composed of volunteers who are carefully screened. One of the primary roles for honor guards is to provide funeral honors for fallen comrades.

When the jet door opened, another military officer addressed the escort who was standing at attention. He then stepped on the plane and told us passengers "I just addressed the escort. It is a sworn oath to bring home, to the family, the fallen." He paused and then said, "Today you all did that, you are all escorts, escorts of the heart." And then thanked us for our time and walked off the plane.

As you can imagine, everyone was silent, no one got up, not even that person from the back row who pretends they don't speak English so they can be first off the plane. I'm sure most had meteor-sized lumps in their throats and tears in their eyes like I did.

It only got more emotional when I deplaned. There was a large number of passengers, who are normally in a hurry to get home or make a connection, standing by the window to witness something truly moving. To see the Honor Guard and family waiting patiently, while LAX baggage handlers and a military loadmaster remove the flag covered casket first from the cargo hold, was humbling to say the least. I'm not sure if it was the fallen soldier's mother or wife who I watched slowly walk up to the coffin while a few other family members, wrapped in blankets, stood near with a dozen or so of the Honor Guards standing in salute.

As soon as I saw her reach out to put her hand on her baby's casket, I walked away.

This ordinary flight became extraordinary and is one that I will never forget.

http://www.johnnyjet.com/2013/10/fallen-soldier-on-my-delta-flight/   (including video)


This is a happier story,

I've written about how great American Airlines are with the military (here's that story), but after what I witnessed on my flight yesterday they went above and beyond. I've been told by an American Airlines gate agent that they will upgrade uniformed soldiers if there's space available, but there's rarely space. That's why premium travelers should consider giving their premium seats to a soldier. They will let uniformed soldiers board early with the elite frequent fliers, and they will buy them food in economy. That alone is pretty awesome.

But today I when I went to the gate to see if my upgrade cleared (it didn't) I saw the captain come out and introduce himself to a passenger standing next to me at the counter. I thought he might've been a celebrity the way the pilot was speaking to him. After all, it was LAX and we were about to board a flight to New York (I've seen countless of celebs on this route).

Turns out the passenger was Andy Henning. According to this article he was one of 13 Vietnam Veteran Purple Heart recipients selected by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Kahle Fund for an all-expenses paid trip to Vietnam and he was just returning home.

I only know this because after we took off the captain got on the PA and acknowledged him which turned into a huge round of applause. Then when we landed the flight attendants requested everyone stay in their seats because some personnel were going to board the plane. I thought it was going to be paramedics or police officers like there usually is when they make that kind of announcement. But not on this occasion.

The New York gate agent got on the horn and said pretty much what the captain did when we took off. I was stuck in the window seat so I couldn't see but I could hear everyone applaud. Then when I stepped into the gate area I was shocked to see rows of American flags (pictured above) — Talk about rock star treatment.

While walking through baggage claim (no, I didn't check a bag) I wanted to thank Andy for his service but he was mobbed by family, friends and fellow servicemen, so I just snapped this photo and went on my merry way.

Anyway, I thought I should share this story since it's not something you see every day, and members of our military, especially the Vietnam Vets, are under appreciated.

Great job, American! I hope all airlines do the same.

http://www.johnnyjet.com/2013/01/how-american-airlines-treat-our-military/

[Robby]

I shared this with 9 other people, and since there has been 13 Likes, and (wait for it.....) 30 shares, most from people I don't know (friends of my friends). I didn't think it was as great as the hype, but it was touching.

https://www.facebook.com/robby.kitchen/posts/10153184967085027?notif_t=like




(I don't mind you checking my page, or sending request, but before looking know I don't mind showing where my political and religious loyalties lie, I don't do it here, I don't want anyone to be offended, considering I know several here believe the opposite of me)

[Robby]

This was actually shot in 2013, and I just found it. After reading the description, and start the video, if you skip over to 4 minutes in, it really gets interesting.

http://www.littlethings.com/project-vigil-d-day-memorial/?utm_source=bmy&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=amazing

[looneylane]

Very powerful. We had a cadet colour guard at our remembrance day and tow of the cadets stood on guard for over an hour before one finally fell over from exhaustion. There are some kids who are setting an example of respect.

[foxgrove]

Beautiful...