Emotional Air Travel

My work travels have been whittled down to a science. Sparse packing for light carry on. Where to park my car that always has open spots and an easy out. I even go to the same area of the Economy Parking Lot every time, so I'll never have to try and remember where I parked. I also try to sit in the same area of the plane for quick exiting once stopped. I'm always super anxious to zip home when I return from a work trip.

But this past week was different. All my intentions were discarded at the Denver airport. Somber emotions set in at the gate when precious cargo loaded onto our plane. The flashing red lights from several airport security vehicles drew my attention, along with my fellow plane mates. A big black SUV and a black hearse were also parked on the tarmac next to my plane. Numerous TSA employees lined up and my plane's captains went down and joined them. Soon military officials in dress uniform stood in formation and saluted as a coffin loaded onto our plane.

When I boarded, I spotted two army soldiers sitting in the from row of economy. They dressed in their fancy uniforms complete with army berets tilted to the side. Their somber mood filled the whole plane. The captain announced we were carrying a fallen solder home to his family. The captain asked everyone to remain seated when we landed in Portland, allowing the soldiers to exit first. Passengers on our silent plane gladly complied. Even after the soldiers were gone, we all just sat there a few moments.

Upon disembarking, I found passengers at the gate who were waiting to board, enthralled at the window. Just as we had been in Denver. Seated men stood and swiped off their hats. But what really amazed me, the passengers on my plane didn't whisk away once disembarked. Most stopped to pay homage to the man who gave his life for our country. Some with hands over hearts and many of us with tears in our eyes, just stood in silence paying respect to a stranger.

The scene from the Denver airport replayed outside the Portland windows. Flashing lights, black SUV's transporting numerous army soldiers in dress uniform, and TSA employees lining up. The solders marched to the plane and laid a flag across the coffin, then picked it up and marched it to a waiting hearse—white this time. Their marching and saluting were carried out with extreme precision. No half efforts. They gave it all they had. It really moved us.

The movie Taking Chance, starring Kevin Bacon, is based on a true story. After witnessing first hand the highest ritual of honor given for transporting a fallen solider, I can testify that the movie didn't ham anything up. It is totally realistic.

If you haven't seen it yet, watch Taking Chance. I think it's a great way to honor all of our American Military...the fallen and active who have the daunting task of taking heroes home.