Military in uniform boarding aircraft first

[Troppo]

Hello all,

I travel to the US a lot for business, and I fly domestically a lot there. I was in FL a couple of days ago.

One thing that always impresses me is the fact that military members in uniform are called to board the aircraft first - at least on AA (I only fly AA).

As an ex military person (Navy), I am in awe at the amount of respect paid to the military in the US.

It reflects very well on your country.

BZ (Well done).

 

[twotonevert]

Although I have never been in the military, I would like to say thank you. We honor our men and women who serve our country. It has sadly not always been the case. Thank you to all who serve.

 

[skydivr]

It hasn't always been that way. In the 60's, soldiers were spit on in the airport for going to Vietnam. I saw a change in attitude in the 80's. Ronald Reagan made it popular to be patriotic again. People finally realized the soldier was doing the job he took an oath to do, and disconnected blaming the SOLDIER from the POLICY or ADMINISTRATION that ordered it.

 

[dadofthree]

 

[mr8ball]

 

[ssg_petty_210]

I agree. I am a Staff Sergeant in the US Army and served three tours to Iraq. OIF 2 /06-08/09-10. Sadly here in Texas, I see alot of people that do not pay respect to the woman and men who serve in our Armed Forces. I have respect for our Service men and women, and prior service men and women. Once a soldier, always a soldier.

 

[skydivr]

I agree. I am a Staff Sergeant in the US Army and served three tours to Iraq. OIF 2 /06-08/09-10. Sadly here in Texas, I see alot of people that do not pay respect to the woman and men who serve in our Armed Forces. I have respect for our Service men and women, and prior service men and women. Once a soldier, always a soldier.

Exactly - you can usually spot a fellow soldier a mile away. Carry themselves differently; hold their head high; walk unafraid.

Remember less than 10% of the population is actually physically capable of miltiary service - can't help the sheep for being sheep. Just be the sheepdog - who can spot each other.

Thank you for your sacrifice SSG so that my family may sleep safely at night.

LTC, Armor (1983-2008)

 

[Sous]

I am active duty and we are encouraged to travel in uniform to sometimes remind the public we are always around. I have seen several times where a member in uniform is offered available first class seating at no charge. Also, when we deplane they will sometimes make an announcement over the intercom thanking us for the service.

It is nice to see that people still care about who the men and women of the armed services are.

 

[mr8ball]

I am so proud of them and I praize them for all they do..

 

[pashnit]

I am active duty and we are encouraged to travel in uniform to sometimes remind the public we are always around. I have seen several times where a member in uniform is offered available first class seating at no charge. Also, when we deplane they will sometimes make an announcement over the intercom thanking us for the service.

It is nice to see that people still care about who the men and women of the armed services are.

That's so cool.

There have been times when I've worn my Marine Corps flight jacket with all the patches and people have come up & shook my hand in the grocery store. Just plain cool.

 

[BlueHaya]

I agree. I am a Staff Sergeant in the US Army and served three tours to Iraq. OIF 2 /06-08/09-10. Sadly here in Texas, I see alot of people that do not pay respect to the woman and men who serve in our Armed Forces. I have respect for our Service men and women, and prior service men and women. Once a soldier, always a soldier.

Then you are in the wrong part of Texas. I appreciate what our service men do and see them getting praise all the time from strangers.

What you see is not a Texas thing.....

 

[outlaw96u]

couldnt have said it better myslef, I am also a SSG (P) in the army 15 yrs, thanks to all HOOAH

 

[semi]

i'm not in the military but i've treated a bunch of them to the beverage of their choice through the years...i know it's not much but i hope it lets them know someone cares and is very thankful for the sacrifices they make for all of us

 

[ogre]

i fly in uniform whenever it's appropriate. thank you to those who came before me and EARNED the respect i'm given. i'll do my best to uphold the standard. HOOAH!!!

 

[1340]

I agree. I am a Staff Sergeant in the US Army and served three tours to Iraq. OIF 2 /06-08/09-10. Sadly here in Texas, I see alot of people that do not pay respect to the woman and men who serve in our Armed Forces. I have respect for our Service men and women, and prior service men and women. Once a soldier, always a soldier.

You gotta be kidding me! I had the honor of escorting one of my Marine's remains to his final resting place about 5 years ago. We had a layover in Dallas for 4 hours, and with in that time frame I counted over 30 hand shakes with condolences. Texans are very patriotic the manager in the airport restaurant even paid for our meals.

 

[VIPER]

i agree as a disabled vet from the navy i have never had any troubles in texas when i have or had visited that great state....people here in the midwest are way more critical and rude even with sac airforce base being here.

navy 1993-2000

 

[04Duramax]

I'm also an active duty member (14 yr TSgt in the AF) I've served 4 tours in Iraq (mostly with the Army) and several other deployments and every time I fly home be it mid tour or finally going home I get the best treatment in air ports and whatever hotel I'm staying at. I can't even remember how many times I have been asked to trade seats with someone in 1st class (I usually won't though just because I know how much they paid for that seat) or just recieved random free drinks and meals.. it's all kinda over whelming sometimes... I usualy just prefer a good handshake if anything. I recently did a speech at a local school here in AZ and you would have thought I was some kind of celebrity for the ammount of autographs I signed.. LOL. But thanks to all of those who support us.. we really do appreciate it!

 

[Sous]

I have been to Atlanta to pick up Airmen coming in from deployments and there is a USO rep at the arrivals section every time I have been. She is an overwhelming presence and proudly announces the return/arrival of any uniformed personnel that pass through the gates. She gets the waiting family members into an uproar and they cheer and thank the individuals in uniform.

I have stood there and watched this many times over the course of several hours in my time and it always nearly brings a tear to my eye.

I am a MSgt of 16 years in the Air Force. I have been deployed to Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan for a total of 5 times and will never forget the great people that make up our military.

 

[ssg_petty_210]

Exactly - you can usually spot a fellow soldier a mile away. Carry themselves differently; hold their head high; walk unafraid.

Remember less than 10% of the population is actually physically capable of miltiary service - can't help the sheep for being sheep. Just be the sheepdog - who can spot each other.

Thank you for your sacrifice SSG so that my family may sleep safely at night.

LTC, Armor (1983-2008)

Thank you as well sir. We all love what we do, especially when it comes to developing these young soldiers to become our future leaders. That is the best part of my job, and what makes me the most proud. Seeing my product lead other subordinates. Of course you being as high as you were, you know this. Thank you Colonel.

 

[ssg_petty_210]

Then you are in the wrong part of Texas. I appreciate what our service men do and see them getting praise all the time from strangers.

What you see is not a Texas thing.....

Let me rephrase that. Here in the Fort Hood/Killeen area, as well as Austin Texas, they see soldiers all the time. Unfortanately they see alot of the trouble makers in action. In which they set their mind that all soldiers are bad. I have been to other places in Texas, and received many hand shakes. I am also from Texas, and lived here my entire life.