Originally Posted by
jpzeller
For me, the bigger question is:
"Where was the guy behind him in line (or anyone else) stepping up and offering to pay the fee for the soldier, and inviting him for a drink in the AC (or other suitable venue)?"
I am an OIF Vet. It is not an
expectation for anyone to step up and pay the fee. To be honest, I feel that this statement is just "wrong". I seriously doubt the guy didn't have $50 on a credit card to use and sort it out later if this was an issue.
As far as the AC club issue... seriously. Although it's a nice gesture and very appreciated, depending on the airport there's so much military travel. And if you're in uniform, you're not supposta drink. Period.
And before anyone jumps down my throat about "being nice", I want to reiterate that I am an OIF Vet. American Airlines and America as a whole has been plenty nice towards us despite fighting in an unpopular war. Far nicer than my parent's generation. But seriously... it shouldn't be an expectation for John Q Public to be paying for things that are an individual's responsibility.