DBaker: As an individual who went through the process of obtaining a commission in the United States Navy (and was twice rejected for medical reasons), I have no qualms with inviting a military officer in uniform to join me in the first class cabin - none whatsoever. The background evaluations & qualifications for a commission in the United States military (a commission directly authorized by the President of the United States) are very rigorous (anyone who has ever been vetted after completing the standard questionaire for National Security Positions can attest to this).

To all those of the belief that he or she (the uniformed servicemember) is a stranger -I pity you. They may be strangers to you but they are not to me. Candidly, any American Sailor, Soldier, Coastguardsman or Marine is a friend of mine as far as I am concerned. He or she is providing a very valuable service on behalf of all of us and as a small token of my appreciation, I would be delighted to help that individual in any way possible. It saddens me to know that you and others would take a position that while that person may be good enough to die for their country in your stead he or she wouldn't be good enough to sit beside you on a short trip from Cleveland to Newark.

These are extraordinary times that we live in & certainly I see no problem rendering servicemembers any assistance we can possibly manage. I would encourage everyone reading this post to take any opportunity they can to help our men and women in uniform - regardless of the circumstances. If nothing else, it might help you gain a fuller understanding of the fact that they are there serving you - a freedom-loving citizen of the United States of America.

With respect to the comments posted by our friend at Rice University, I do respect his right and the rights of those others who would choose to do nothing. I respect the rights of those who would sit idly by while men and women in uniform (en route to what may very well be their last stateside duty station before an overseas deployment) make what might be one last flight in coach before making the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Let us never forget that the freedoms we enjoy (including the freedom to travel WHEN we please & WHERE we please) are guaranteed only as long as we have individuals willing to fight & die to ensure their preservation.

If you were the mother or father of one of those American servicemembers killed in Afghanistan - how would you feel if the last letter you received from your son or daughter closed with the this paragraph:

"P.S. - Mom, tell Dad that a funny thing happened the other day. Some really nice guy I didn't even know in a fancy suit invited me to join him in first class on my last flight stateside before going overseas. Believe me, the food in first class on Continental was a heck of a lot better than it was on the military charter plane over here. I have always thought that corporate types were selfish & conceited but this guy was really cool and fun to talk to for 3 hours. Most of all, it made me feel proud to know that what we are doing is appreciated at home. Love to you both - Mike"

Wouldn't you be a bit happier knowing that your son or daughter was treated to the very finest comforts of American hospitality before going on to a hostile land from which he would never return? Further - wouldn't you feel better knowing that someone your son or daughter didn't even know took the time to make that possible out of respect for the uniform that your son or daughter was wearing?

How do you know that by helping a random servicemember upgrade as your companion - that it won't be his or her very LAST segment on an American airline? You don't. Think about that the next time you are cleared for first class and see servicemembers in uniform getting ready to board in the aisles behind you. You very well might be the LAST PERSON IN THE WORLD in a position to do something really special for them. Whether you choose to do it is up to you.

May God Bless the United States of America

JTB

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"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been,and there you will forever long to return." Leonardo da Vinci

200 nights/200 legs a year


[This message has been edited by hotlancer (edited 04-15-2002).]