Support our troops: give up that first-class seat - Jerry Chandler lets fly

You can’t drive anywhere in America these days without seeing a bright “Support Our Troops” ribbon affixed to the back of a car. A nice sentiment, but how many of us actually follow up by doing something tangible, something concrete?

Here’s a way. It works. It will make the day for some young soldier, and it will make you feel a lot better too. You don’t have to support the war to do it. All you have to support is the sacrifices - and they are unremitting - of the people who risk life and limb in that war.

If you’re in first class, and see a soldier, sailor, Marine, or Air Force person in uniform heading to the back of the plane, ring the flight attendant call button. Tell the flight attendant you want to give up your seat to one of those young men or women and swap places. Chances are you’ll get no argument from the crew. They’ll be happy to accommodate.

It has happened more than once of late. On one notable American Airlines flight, a person in first class gave up his seat to a soldier and started a chain reaction. Other military personnel were on the aircraft. Lots of them. When the first guy relinquished his seat up front, his fellow passengers in first class followed suit. Before long, the entire section was full of unabashedly grateful young people, some of whom could well have been on their way to, or from, war.

Harm’s way is no fun. I’ve been there. The place was South Vietnam, and the year was 1970. I was a young Army medic on the way from Boston to Seattle, and then to Southeast Asia. I’d been running through Logan Airport to catch an Eastern Air Lines flight, and just made it to the gate in time. Or so I thought. The gate agent took one look at my uniform, frowned and then locked the gate in front of me. A half-empty jet took off, and I was left on the ground. The Eastern agent didn’t much like the war. And I was a natural target of opportunity.

The memory remains with me to this day. I still can’t fly through Boston without thinking of what happened.

We treat our troops better these days. At least we don’t label them “baby-killers” and spit at them on the street. We’re more civilized than that now. But are we more compassionate? Concretely more caring?

Here’s a chance to be both, to do something that shows the people who bear the burdens, endure the hardships, and take the risks that we at least recognize they exist.

Next time you’re at the airport and are getting ready to settle into that comfy first-class seat, take a good look around you. Then, let your conscience be your guide.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not reflect the views of Cheap Flight News

Comments

[matthew bush]

Look, I am age 12 and I want to be in the army when I'm older. I am wanting to get in to the army cadets. I really want to be a part of supporting our troops!
From Matthew