I was on an airplane in Dallas last week. American Airlines must have some sort of agreement with the US military to transport our men and women who are coming home from Iraq to wherever home is for them. There were 8 or 10 soldiers on our plane out of Dallas. There were probably 6 or so who were given seats in first class, which is where they all should be.
One soldier in particular was sitting on my row (he was in the economy seating – I don’t get to fly first class) across the aisle. As the plane was loading, and filling up, I noticed a woman board the plane dragging a sizeable carry on bag as we all have to do these days. One thing different about her was she was wearing a neck brace. As she passed our aisle looking for a place to dump her bag, she said to the flight attendant “I’m going to need some help with this bag”. Before she even said the word “help”, our serviceman was on his feet heading back to stow her bag.
That kind of reaction is not something that he was taught, it is something that is inside him. His very nature. I believe that is the kind of man who gives up his life in service to others. Our soldiers are people like him. I bet he was probably 16 or 17 when those planes hit the towers and he just knew he would need to do something. And he did.
On a day when we should have all been carrying his bag, he was looking for one more person to help before he got home. A great example for me.
What has bothered me Jim is that many are reacting toward the current servicemen/women like many did to those who went to Nam. Outcast. Looked down on. Treated like trash. They deserve more than that. They do deserve our applause. Good post.
Oh, my! What insight into the heart of this soldier, Jim. Thank you for noticing and sharing the story. I’ve been led to ‘pay it forward’ at appropriate times when servicemen/women are in line for coffee/etc. These compassionate people deserve far more and you have inspired me to think more creatively about how to do that.
DJ, American is one of the main carriers bringing troops home, and DFW is one of the main “hub” airports used for troop movements. There are often church and homeschool groups that go out there to welcome them home – it’s really awesome.
Thanks for sharing that superb example of selfless behavior. That’s exactly the type of model Christ called us to be – constantly seeking ways to show Love to our neighbors.