Fallen Warrior - Trip Home

[Sealord]

LET'S END WITH THIS ...
By Neal Boortz @ August 7, 2009 8:29 AM
I did all I could last night to research this bit on the Internet. Snopes had nothing. This is a message an airplane pilot sent to his colleagues after one particular flight:

"My lead flight attendant came to me and said, 'We have H.R. on this flight.' H.R. stands for human remains. 'Are they military?' I asked. 'Yes', she said. 'Is there an escort?' I asked. 'Yes, I already assigned him a seat.' 'Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck. You can board him early', I said.

A short while later, a young Army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and still with us. My soldier is on his way back to Virginia', he said. He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words on his own. I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told him that he had the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the flight deck to find his seat.

We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure. About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. 'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is on board', he said. He then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia. The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane. I could hear the desperation in the flight attendant's voice when he asked me if there was anything I could do. 'I'm on it', I said. I told him that I would get back to him.

Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail like messages. I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher. I explained the situation I had onboard with the family and what it was the family wanted. He said he understood and that he would get back to me.

Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the dispatcher and this following is the text:

'Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on this now and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family. The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and planeside to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans.
Please pass our condolences on to the family. Thanks.'

I sent a message back telling flight control thanks for a good job. I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, 'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.' Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us.

'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told. It looked like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting off the airplane. As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passengers. He did that and the ramp controller said, 'Take your time.'

I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public address button and said, 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your captain speaking. I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His name is Private XXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant XXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter. Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.'

We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft. When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap his hands. Moments later more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God Bless You', I'm sorry, thank you, be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with their loved one. Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I had made. They were just words, I told them, I could say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier."

I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices that millions of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and safety in these United States of America.


With the type of people we have running this country right now... people who don't believe that we're at war with Islamic terrorism... this sure makes you feel better about the rest of us.

[TimberWolf]

Thank you for your service Alexander.

Army Spc. Alexander Miller Killed in action July 31st in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan The first of our hometown heros to die for our small community Clermont, Florida.

Rest In Peace


Timberwolf

[Twilight Flyer]

That’s a neat story. Thanks for posting it.

With the type of people we have running this country right now... people who don't believe that we're at war with Islamic terrorism... this sure makes you feel better about the rest of us.

Can I get an amen to that!?

[Sealord]

Amen! BOL

[jd112488]

i got a teared up. very sad and a very nice story. god bless everyone ecspecially the brave men and women protecting my family and our freedom!!! 911...never forget!!

[Fozzy]

Thanks for posting this Sealord. It had the usual poor results and disrespectful comments when it was posted at another board. I can say that the aircrew that brought my son home was completely honorable, respectful and professional through the whole process. They stayed in the plane while it was towed into the small hanger here at the airpark, they quickly got the plane locked down and the doors open and the device that lowers the casket set up to the door very quickly. They stood at attention with their hand over their heart as the flag draped coffin was lowered to the waiting formation of soldiers to take it. The pilot even spanked the plane's butt getting from Houston to get there on time. He was actually a shade early.

I have a couple of websites for people here who care about the troops of all the countries in these wars.

http://iraq.pigstye.net/

http://afghanistan.pigstye.net/

[ironeagle_2006]

Fozzy near me in a small Midwestern town called Marsallies there is a Memorial to ALL OUR TROOPS that have died in the Middle East since 1979. Every Year they read every name rank and Branch of Service and Date that they were KIA. Our Governor Pat Quinn this year read the latest ones and also stated that we are free because of these MEN AND WOMEN. Here is a link to the Memorial site and if you ever came up this way I would be honored to meet you.

Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run

[Fozzy]

Fozzy near me in a small Midwestern town called Marsallies there is a Memorial to ALL OUR TROOPS that have died in the Middle East since 1979. Every Year they read every name rank and Branch of Service and Date that they were KIA. Our Governor Pat Quinn this year read the latest ones and also stated that we are free because of these MEN AND WOMEN. Here is a link to the Memorial site and if you ever came up this way I would be honored to meet you.

Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run

My wife attended this year. I might go next year, but I don't know. She got rubbings from the wall of my son's name and the guys in his unit, she also got several others who we have known through their parents and send them to them.

[golfhobo]

That’s a neat story. Thanks for posting it.

With the type of people we have running this country right now... people who don't believe that we're at war with Islamic terrorism... this sure makes you feel better about the rest of us.

Can I get an amen to that!?

Nope. Not from me. Sorry. The story was great.... and moving. But, this line was an addendum from Mr. Boortz and was insulting and demeaning.

ONE of the "people running our country" would be the Chief of Staff Raum Emanuel (sp) and HE has family who have been at war with Islamic Jiihadists for more years than WE have been. Bush the 1st went to war with Saddam NOT because he was "harboring" or abetting Jihadists... but, over an agressive action against a signatory of the Geneva Convention (Kuwait.)

8 years later.....

Dubya "feigned" a war in Afghanistan against the terrorist group that attacked us on 9-11, and then executed a "pre-planned" war against his nemesis Saddam, A SECULAR ruler, under false pretenses. 4,000 or more American soldiers have made this "trip" home because of his imperialistic visions. And, because he "telegraphed" every action he took..... UBL still escapes us. And as long as he lives.... are we any SAFER???

We are embroiled in a deadly war in the Mid-East that started in Afghanistan, spread to Iraq (due to OUR involvement there) and now has moved to Pakistan. And our BIGGEST successes have come from UNMANNED drones targeted with the help of Pakistani intelligence services. I will go to my grave believing that we could have KILLED UBL within six months with the help of "clandestine" groups and "special forces" or targeting vehicles.

I have nothing but RESPECT and admiration for the American soldiers who gave their lives for the FAILED policies of our last "dear leader," but MOST of them died to win "freedom" for Iraqis.... which was NOT my top priority!

MY FREEDOM was NEVER at stake! And is NOT AT STAKE TODAY! An ISOLATED attack against our "symbols of economic power" does NOT rise to the level of an invasion of America! And it CERTAINLY wasn't a justification to change the "way of the World" that had existed for centuries!

9-11 was a CRIMINAL attack, yes.... terroristic.... and it should have been met with a concerted action of finding the small band of criminals and either bringing them to justice OR blowing them off the face of the Earth!

Even CLINTON knew where UBL was at one time, and had him "targeted!" Dubya, sent him to ground by waging a war! We're NOT going to change Afghanistan. They've been growing poppies for centuries! We are NOT the world's "drug police!" OUR economy is suffering, and some of you want to blow our budget on rebuilding THEIR economy?

IMHO, it is a toss-up as to whether or not Iraq's democracy will survive and flourish.... and what business was it of OURS? And was it WORTH the 4,000 dead we invested?

Other than the FIASCO of Vitenam, which we LOST....we lost nowhere NEAR the number of Amrican Soldiers in the fight against Communism, which was supposed to be our greatest enemy! Krushev said he would destroy US without firing a shot.... yet, we tore down the wall without GOING TO WAR!

If you "want your country back" you need to let OTHERS have their own country back. THEY are defending THEIR country, and THEIR way of life, with the SAME dedication that you claim is the reason you are attacking them! What would you EXPECT them to do?

Once again... I am a Veteran. I WAS and WOULD be willing to lay down my life for my country..... WITHOUT being called a "HERO" for doing my job! But, I am against the WASTE of our BEST Americans for anything LESS than the defense of OUR country. And I don't believe that "nation building" in Iraq OR Afghanistan qualifies!

The "people running our country" are currently extending the same "war effort" that Dubya got us into.... so SHUT THE **** UP! And pray to God that their policies of diplomacy will somehow "tone down" the level of agitation that continues the violence!

[golfhobo]

Fozzy: I hope you don't take my comments as disrespectful. There was a time when we AGREED about the absurdity of religious wars. It would have been MY honor, as a member of a flight crew, to escort your son home! And I would have done so with the perfection and dignity he deserved!

But, that does not change my beliefs about this war, and I must speak my mind about it.

I don't visit "other" sites, so I don't know what was said there. And I don't feel compelled to apologize for the comments there by those who take "extreme" positions on either the war OR those who have died in it.

You KNOW that my thoughts are my own.... and not "spoon fed" to me by EITHER "camp."

I will not EVER denigrate a soldier who has given his life for the cause that his country asked him to serve. Right or wrong, I believe that Micheal BELIEVED in the cause that he served, and conducted himself valoriously!

That is all we can ask of our soldiers.

Your son joined our "voluntary" military with knowledge and no fear of what he had to do. That is the sign of a brave young man! No medals or accolades will replace his life. But, I hope someday you can find peace in the fact that he died as the MAN you taught him to be... and with the HONOR that he deserves.

And I KNOW that he would want you to CONTINUE being the father he knew! It is not fair to blame the dead for the "burden" on the survivors! Or to burden the dead with the "blame" that the survivors feel.

[Fozzy]

Other than the FIASCO of Vitenam, which we LOST....we lost nowhere NEAR the number of Amrican Soldiers in the fight against Communism, which was supposed to be our greatest enemy! Krushev said he would destroy US without firing a shot.... yet, we tore down the wall without GOING TO WAR!

Really? Aren't you mincing words? Both Korea and Vietnam were wars against communists and wars by proxy against those countries at the tops of the chain. To claim we lost no where near the troops in actions against communism is just not true and selective at best. At some point in time this is going to have to stop being all about George Bush for you.

That's all I'll have to say about this.

[mommee]

i got a teared up. very sad and a very nice story. god bless everyone ecspecially the brave men and women protecting my family and our freedom!!! 911...never forget!!

plus one.

[Ridge Runner]

At some point in time this is going to have to stop being all about George Bush for you.

[Ridge Runner]

Nope. Not from me. Sorry. The story was great.... and moving. But, this line was an addendum from Mr. Boortz and was insulting and demeaning.

ONE of the "people running our country" would be the Chief of Staff Raum Emanuel (sp) and HE has family who have been at war with Islamic Jiihadists for more years than WE have been. Bush the 1st went to war with Saddam NOT because he was "harboring" or abetting Jihadists... but, over an agressive action against a signatory of the Geneva Convention (Kuwait.)

8 years later.....

Dubya "feigned" a war in Afghanistan against the terrorist group that attacked us on 9-11, and then executed a "pre-planned" war against his nemesis Saddam, A SECULAR ruler, under false pretenses. 4,000 or more American soldiers have made this "trip" home because of his imperialistic visions. And, because he "telegraphed" every action he took..... UBL still escapes us. And as long as he lives.... are we any SAFER???

We are embroiled in a deadly war in the Mid-East that started in Afghanistan, spread to Iraq (due to OUR involvement there) and now has moved to Pakistan. And our BIGGEST successes have come from UNMANNED drones targeted with the help of Pakistani intelligence services. I will go to my grave believing that we could have KILLED UBL within six months with the help of "clandestine" groups and "special forces" or targeting vehicles.

I have nothing but RESPECT and admiration for the American soldiers who gave their lives for the FAILED policies of our last "dear leader," but MOST of them died to win "freedom" for Iraqis.... which was NOT my top priority!

It may not have been YOUR top priority, but I bet it was to the people of Iraq.

MY FREEDOM was NEVER at stake! And is NOT AT STAKE TODAY! An ISOLATED attack against our "symbols of economic power" does NOT rise to the level of an invasion of America! And it CERTAINLY wasn't a justification to change the "way of the World" that had existed for centuries!

with their stated goal ...... never mind..... talking to a brick wall

9-11 was a CRIMINAL attack, yes.... terroristic.... and it should have been met with a concerted action of finding the small band of criminals and either bringing them to justice OR blowing them off the face of the Earth!

If it was a small ban, then WHO have we been fighting against?

Even CLINTON knew where UBL was at one time, and had him "targeted!"

Then why was he not taken out then????????


Dubya, sent him to ground by waging a war! We're NOT going to change Afghanistan. They've been growing poppies for centuries! We are NOT the world's "drug police!" OUR economy is suffering, and some of you want to blow our budget on rebuilding THEIR economy?

IMHO, it is a toss-up as to whether or not Iraq's democracy will survive and flourish.... and what business was it of OURS? And was it WORTH the 4,000 dead we invested?

Other than the FIASCO of Vitenam, which we LOST....we lost nowhere NEAR the number of Amrican Soldiers in the fight against Communism, which was supposed to be our greatest enemy! Krushev said he would destroy US without firing a shot.... yet, we tore down the wall without GOING TO WAR!

I think you better re-read your history.


If you "want your country back" you need to let OTHERS have their own country back. THEY are defending THEIR country, and THEIR way of life, with the SAME dedication that you claim is the reason you are attacking them! What would you EXPECT them to do?

Once again... I am a Veteran. I WAS and WOULD be willing to lay down my life for my country..... WITHOUT being called a "HERO" for doing my job! But, I am against the WASTE of our BEST Americans for anything LESS than the defense of OUR country. And I don't believe that "nation building" in Iraq OR Afghanistan qualifies!

The "people running our country" are currently extending the same "war effort" that Dubya got us into.... so SHUT THE **** UP! And pray to God that their policies of diplomacy will somehow "tone down" the level of agitation that continues the violence!

That "diplomacy" is what got us where we are today. You can't reason with someone that whose only goal is to destroy us.

[Malaki86]

If you want to see a REALLY good movie, check this one out:

Taking Chance

Plot: Based on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming.

I watched this movie a couple weeks ago and it was absolutely amazing.

[mommee]

i saw that movie. i was on the verge of tears.

[Malaki86]

i saw that movie. i was on the verge of tears.

Same here. It definitely defines true honor. I had no idea that it was that involved. I highly recommend this movie.

[golfhobo]

Same here. It definitely defines true honor. I had no idea that it was that involved. I highly recommend this movie.

I saw it a couple of months ago when Fozzy first mentioned it. Like Mommee, I was not only on the VERGE of tears.... I cried openly. I cried for the LOSS of the soldier and his family, but mostly out of PRIDE for the dedication of the American Military, and the RESPECT that "our generation" has come to show for our fallen.

It should come as no surprise that I absolutely REJECT the opinion that one cannot be against "the war" and yet still SUPPORT our troops! We have the FINEST military in the World.... comprised of the BEST of our young men and women! The LOSS of those lives, if it continues, could be an insurmountable blow to our SOCIETY.

Other than the obvious benefit to population control.... I can see NO GOOD REASON for the loss of a SINGLE American soldier, in the PRIME of his/her life, unless it is to protect our country from INVASION or SEDITION.

WWI and II were different. We had to be "dragged" into those wars, but we did so because the RESULT of inaction would have changed the geopolitical face of the World! And not the LEAST of our considerations would have been the TRADE and ECONOMY of the World.

But, a RATIONAL mind cannot find such a simlance with our current war! NO ONE can compare a band of Islamic terrorists to the military MACHINE of Germany! NO ONE can justify deposing Saddam.... a SECULAR despot though he was... WHO WE ONCE SUPPORTED.... with the necessity of stemming the raging imperialism of Nazi Germany!

We KNOW that Iran is closer to a nuclear power than Saddam was, but.... are we going to war against THEM?

Sorry.... this reply was about the movie "Taking Chance." I saw it. I cried. I highly recommend it! I ALSO saw something in it that many of you probably missed. There WAS a "hollywood liberal" moment where they made their case against the war. I can't remember what it was right now, so don't ask. But, it was THERE. And I was "amused" by that fact.

[golfhobo]

Edited out this intro because it didn't come out the way I meant it. Not picking a fight with you, Ridge.... just an interesting debate.

GH: I have nothing but RESPECT and admiration for the American soldiers who gave their lives for the FAILED policies of our last "dear leader," but MOST of them died to win "freedom" for Iraqis.... which was NOT my top priority!

RR: It may not have been YOUR top priority, but I bet it was to the people of Iraq.

And WHAT of the "priorities" of the people of Rwanda? I don't even think Iraqi's "freedom" was the top priority for most Americans! And the TRUTH of the matter is.... the Iraqi people were not CLAMMORING for freedom!

They had one of the most civilized AND free societies in the Middle East or East Asia (wherever they are!) They had lower unemployment than most countries in the area. They had Universities, Museums, JOBS and the best HIGHWAYS. They even had RELIGIOUS freedom (not like those under Taliban rule.)

GH: MY FREEDOM was NEVER at stake! And is NOT AT STAKE TODAY! An ISOLATED attack against our "symbols of economic power" does NOT rise to the level of an invasion of America! And it CERTAINLY wasn't a justification to change the "way of the World" that had existed for centuries!

RR: with their stated goal ...... never mind..... talking to a brick wall

I understand your frustration, because I understand your misconception. FIRST.... what did IRAQ have to do with Al Quaida?

And second.... how is it that we "co-existed" with Muslims for CENTURIES before this "Jihad" was waged? We SUPPORTED and trained the Mujahadeen in Afganistan, from which UBL comes, against Russian domination. Do you EVEN KNOW what set him off? Do you understand the ONE thing that is at the ROOT of his anger at America?

GH: 9-11 was a CRIMINAL attack, yes.... terroristic.... and it should have been met with a concerted action of finding the small band of criminals and either bringing them to justice OR blowing them off the face of the Earth!

RR: If it was a small band, then WHO have we been fighting against?

We have been fighting against the YOUTH and the FUNDAMENTALISTS among the Muslims who he RECRUITED after we "fullfilled" his prophesies of the "coming American invasion!" WITHOUT the "invasion" by Dubya, he would have HAD NO propaganda with which to recruit THOUSANDS of Jihadists! He would have remained "marginalized" within his own community, and we could have found him easily and snuffed him! Remember that the Koran teaches AGAINST the needless taking of innocent lives! PRIOR to our invasion, MOST Muslims would have, and DID, frown upon his tactics!

GH: Even CLINTON knew where UBL was at one time, and had him "targeted!"

RR: Then why was he not taken out then????????

Because he was being "visited" by HIGH RANKING members of so-called "friendly" Muslim countries. The ramifications across the ENTIRE Muslim world would have been devastating.... somewhat like what happened after BUSH attacked!

I'm surprised that you don't KNOW about this. Oh wait.... perhaps you only get your info from "Right-wing" sites!?

The IMPORTANT fact from this situation is that.... UBL thought he got away with it (his last attack) and was standing out in the OPEN! I suspect he might have done the SAME after 9-11 had we not DECLARED WAR and tipped him off!

4,000 plus dead American soldiers later, we are still LOOKING for the cave he is hiding in! Had we treated it as a CRIMINAL action, we could have utilized our clandestine sources (both American AND foreign) and found him once again out in the open.... and ENDED THIS THING with ONE cruise missile attack! Justice served!

But, THEN came the "cowboy" BUSH! He declared his intentions through a MEGAPHONE at the site of the attacks. TALK about "aiding and abetting" the enemy!

GH: Other than the FIASCO of Vitenam, which we LOST....we lost nowhere NEAR the number of Amrican Soldiers in the fight against Communism, which was supposed to be our greatest enemy! Krushev said he would destroy US without firing a shot.... yet, we tore down the wall without GOING TO WAR!

RR: I think you better re-read your history.

Okay.... you and Fozzy have made this point and it IS a valid one. Korea IS the "forgotten war." But, I DID say I was EXCLUDING vietnam (and should have included the PROXY war in Korea.) I was referring to the timeframe AFTER Kruschev made the comment I highlighted!

Kruschev was convinced that he would "destroy" America by imposing his beliefs upon us.... without firing a shot. It didn't HAPPEN! Neither will the Muslim fundamentalist "sharia law" take over America.... OR defeat us on the battlefield. And CERTAINLY not on our own soil!

The USSR collapsed through DIPLOMATIC measures and military strength. But, MOSTLY due to their OWN failed economy based on "communistic" practices. Score one for capitalism. But... do not forget the October Revolution of the "masses" against the privileged ruling class!

I guess my point was that... IF handled properly.... I see no more danger from fundamentalist Muslims than I saw from Communists! The ONLY people who are/were screaming that the sky was falling were the RIGHT WING M/I/C succophants who are bent on World domination or protection of the RICHEST CLASS!

And, of course.... those who listen to Rush Limbaugh and that BECK idiot!

[b00m]

Whow!!!

Amazing story! Thanks for posting and make sure you email it to others too.People need to hear these stories, and not the hollywwod bs drama or something else that our media is pushing in our throats.

Gob bless the family!