I had a most interesting experience on my flight back from Chicago last Sunday.

While sitting in the gate waiting area, one of the many transport wagons rolled up with an older gentleman wearing a "Korean War Veteran" hat and what appeared to be his daughter on board. I really didn't pay much attention at first since this is a common occurrence in an airport. The cart driver and a armed ORD police officer helped the man to a seat near me. The officer called the man by name and thanked him for his service. I went back to watching the TV and thought nothing more about it.

When the time came to start the boarding process as usual they called for any passengers that needed extra time or assistance first. The older gentleman and his daughter proceeded down the the jetway and it was then I noticed something out of the ordinary. Several of the ORD police officers assigned to ramp duty had assembled on the jetway and saluted as this quiet man slowly made his way to the plane. Now that had me wondering......as many times as I've flown I've never seen that happen......never. I wouldn't have to wonder long......

After the gentleman and his daughter were out of earshot, the gate staff made an announcement that traveling on our flight today was a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, he was seated in first class and if we so desired it would be a good gesture if we wished to acknowledge him as we boarded.

After boarding was complete the flight crew used the PA system to personally thank this man for his service and sacrifice. The entire cabin applauded him.....and the 2 passengers that had given up their first class seats so this hero and his daughter could fly in comfort.

Thank you  Rodolfo P. (Rudy) Hernandez. Thank you.
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Thank you Bill.

Does a heart good to read something like this.

Thanks for that story Bill. 

Experiancing something like that makes life a special event.

What airline was it?

seaworthy wrote on Sep 23^rd, 2009 at 2:32pm:

What airline was it?

USAir.

That's awesome.

That, Sir, is one fine story!

Thanks for sharing it with us.

Thanks Beyull :'(.  Thanks for sharing that story.

Thanks for sharing, Bill.  This gave me goose bumps and brightened my day.

Jeannie

DAYUM!!!  Who moved the ashtray over to where the smoke got in my eyes?

What an AWESOME, heart warming story!  (Talk about shivers going down my back!)  Thanks for passing that on, Beeyul!

Chuck

(That is the smoke from the ashtray, that has my eyes all red and watery!!  HONEST!!)  (Don't be looking at my crossed fingers!)

Thanks Bill.  They had a CMH society get together in Chicago this year, the same time as the Clusterbusters conference.  A lot of men who really hung it out there for someone else.  God bless them!

Jerry

i love your stories bill

WOW! Very proud. 8-)

Thanks Bill.

I love to hear this kind of thing and I hope more of these stories are repeated and repeated and repeated.

Charlie

What an honor to be able to share your plane ride with him, and kudos to the couple who gave up their first class seats to him, they should be commended.

Thanks for sharing....

Diane

Gave me chills;  told Clark about it and he even teared up - shhhhhhh don't tell him I told ya.

I didn't even get to name him, Clark immediately said, Medal of Honor recipient right? Sheesh, see what I get for telling him a story like yours right after he's spent months studying his promotion fitness exam books.

That is an amazing event, I wish I could have been there.  How heart warming that so many were willing to give him his due tribute.

Cat

Cool story Bill.

Sheeeeeet Beeeyul....that made me tear up....thank you for a gratifying, wonderful, uplifting recount of an  oh so important experience. You are a lucky man....

Your story reafirms my respect and regard for the American people...a nation who forgets the reason we are free is destitute, and we are far from that, after some shaky times. We owe so much to so few...

A small story from my own experience...I shop for my belts in a military surplus store...no particular reason other than I like the canvas and brass buckle.
Have lost count of the times I have heard "thanks for your service marine"...it used to puzzle me as I had no idea what they were talking about! Apparently, I am wearing a Marine Corp belt. Eventually, I figured it out...

I never have and never will pretend to be something I'm not...that is, a vet (never had the privledge or honor)...but the reaction from those who thought I was has been extremely gratifying...folks just get it!
I ALWAYS correct them...and ALWAYS affirm how much I appreciate the honor bestowed on someone they thought was a vet...and ALWAYS remind them
it is a good thing they do...NEVER FORGET!

Best,

Jon

First I would like to say hi Bill We met in Chicago it was my first CB conference Thanks for all your help and sage advice.
I too had the pleasure of meeting all of the Medal winners. I was at a biz meeting at the Swiss Hotel  the day before the conference. The Medal winners were at the hotel for a Lunch. I had the opportunity to speak with many of them. Great and interesting people with many stories to tell.

That is a great story Bill. I tis  good to hear something like that now.  It seems to me that the American Public is more and more uncaring and this proves that there are good people in this world still.

Blessed Be,
Tia