I have gotten some great pleasure out of upgrading young soldiers IAD-DXB. At more than 7,000 miles, it is a great bang for the buck as well as nice way to say thanks.
A few times I have strolled through the gate area of the DXB flight looking for possibilities, then after reading the name off of the uniform shirt, approached a GA to explain my motives and ask if that particular soldier was indeed in coach and headed to Dubai.