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Upgrade A Soldier: Part 2
Every time I fly through Dallas, Houston or Atlanta there's always a uniformed soldier on my flight – usually headed to or returning from war. In the past when I get upgraded, I almost always give up my phat seat to the soldier. It's the right thing to do and I feel guilty if I don't. But this time I asked the gate agent working my Los Angeles to Dallas flight if I could upgrade the lone soldier in the waiting area and asked her to do it without him knowing it was me. She said it was possible but that she needed to determine if I had enough status for him to jump the already jammed upgrade waitlist. She asked him his name and after entering it into the system, she smiled and said it worked. I felt relieved especially since I was starving and didn't want to give up my seat … or breakfast!
It turned out that the soldier got seated next to me in 1A. He was polite, respectful and sat down after putting his heavy camouflage duffle bag in the closet. He quickly fell asleep but jumped when the flight attendant slammed a food cart door to prepare for takeoff. No one else even blinked an eye. I just shook my head in disbelief, trying to comprehend what these guys endure day in and day out to keep us safe.
When he woke, he only drank water and passed on the breakfast tray – no wonder these guys are so fit. I guess Andy Rooney was right when he wrote in his book that soldiers don't eat out of boredom. (I wish I could do the same.) He was a cool guy and we chatted for a bit on our descent. He told me that he was returning to Afghanistan after a two-week leave, which he said went by too fast. I thanked him more than once for his service and he was happy to be in first class. He said the extra space is a treat. I smiled, knowing that he had no idea that the upgrade was from me. It was only a small gesture of my great thanks – but it was something I was able to do for someone who sacrifices his life for my wellbeing.
FYI: I tweeted (@JohnnyJet) about my good deed and received an incredible response. I did it not to gain kudos but to draw attention to the fact that many of us can do this, which is why I'm writing about it now. I don't think frequent fliers who have plenty of points realize they can upgrade soldiers. I wish more people would because we need to take care of those who take care of us and give us the ability to live the rich lives that we do in America. It's not that difficult.
Fine Print: While cruising down the runway on takeoff, the sleeping soldier made the sign of the cross without opening his eyes. I followed suit but my prayer wasn't for a safe flight. It was for him and all the other brave men and women who serve our country to return home safely.
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