A Soldier's Perspective

Flying Frustration

I wrote a little about my experiences flying TO DC over at the VAMC blog. It was a very frustrating experience. However, on the way back, things weren't so bad.

Because I hop around a lot visiting my troops, I frequently travel in uniform. I do this because otherwise I'd be changing 4 times a day on some trips. If I'm flying after duty hours and don't have a meeting immediately planned after landing, I'll naturally fly in civilian clothes.

On the way home from DC, I stopped by one of my offices. I'm in an interesting situation where 90% of my Soldiers are stationed away from me. They are spread out among seven different states. The plus to that is that I get to travel a lot, but it sure does wear on me during the long trips. I try to keep my trips down to two days max!

Leaving Baltimore, there a huge group of Airmen deploying back to the box. I said a silent prayer for them all that they make it home safely. On the way home from my layover in Atlanta (the largest most chaotic airport I've been to), I flew Delta. I normally fly US Airways because I've never had a bad experience but there wasn't a US Airways flight for that leg of the trip.

I typically wait until almost everyone has boarded the plane before I head down the ramp. Experience has taught me that I have a greater chance of getting a free first class seat if one is open and I'm the last guy on the plane. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The plane was mostly full and I proceeded to my seat, weary of the travel and probably not smelling too good after spending all day in Georgia in my hot-as-possible ACUs. These things just do not breathe.

I sat down and began rereading the one book I brought with me – "Final Salute" (I'm sorry, this is just honestly the best book I've read in years!). The flight attendant approached me and said that a first class passenger had volunteered to give up their seat for me if I wanted. This is the first time anyone has ever offered that to me. I've gotten "thank yous" and the finger, but never a plush seat up front. I graciously declined the offer and asked her to please pass along my thanks for thinking of me. The funny thing is that the first class passenger had told the flight attendant not to let me know that she was a woman. She knew that if I knew a woman was giving up her seat that I wouldn't accept. The flight attendant didn't tell me this until after I had already declined.

Looking at the book I had in my hands, I decided to return the favor. I scribbled a little note to the patriot in seat 1C:

"Dear 1C Patriot,

Thank you so much for your generous offer to give up your first class seat. Unfortunately, I cannot accept. I am no more deserving of that seat than the dozens of passengers seated behind me. I volunteered to do what I do and took on the challenges willingly.

I have a military blog called A Soldier's Perspective where I write about my military experiences and related topics. As a result, I frequently have books sent to me with review requests. "Final Salute" is one of those books. It is a moving and honest work that will bring tear of pride and sympathy to anyone who reads it. I'd like you to have it as my thanks.

Sincerely,
CJ"

Don't worry, my copy of the book was not one of the three the publisher sent me to help raise money for JROTC, so you still have a chance. It just means that I'll be going out to buy my own copy later!! It was the least I could do. I never did get her name, but is that really necessary? I know people like her are out there and for that, I'm thankful to live in the greatest country on earth and serve to keep it that way.