posted
You may have read this. I hope it's true, but even if not, ...it puts things in perspective...
God Bless the troops...
I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a long , uneventful flight home. With the huge capacity and slow moving
people taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead and never paying much attention to holding up the growing line behind them, I simply shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very well. I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on "my"
issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together. I knew I couldn't say a word so I just thumbed thru the "Sky Mall" magazine from the seat pocket in front of me. You know it's really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky mall crap to break the monotony. With everyone finally seated, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the airline industry is in trouble I told myself. Just then, the attendant
came on the intercom to inform us all that we were being delayed. The entire plane let out a collective groan. She resumed speaking to say "We are holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way
to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than 5 minutes. The word
came after waiting six times as long as we were promised that "I" was finally going to be on my way home. Why the hoopla over "these" folks? I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold up.........Just get their butts in a seat and lets hit the gas I thought. The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several U. S. Marines returning home from Iraq!!! Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into applause. The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them as they searched for their seats. They were having their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's distance of them as they passed down the aisle. One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines as he passed by her. The applause, whistles and cheering didn't stop for a long time. When we were finally airborne, "I" was not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "me"
getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote in my hand. These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining silently about "me" and "my" issues. I took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the American way of life I took for granted others paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" those Heroes going home to their loved ones. I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed I suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker a request for everyone to remain in their seats until our hero's were allowed to gather their
things and be first off the plane. The cheers and applause continued until the last Marine stepped off and we all rose to go about our too often taken for granted everyday freedoms......... I felt proud of them. I felt it an honor and a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and say Thank You for a job well done. I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the lesson learned. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU to those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may read this and a prayer for those who cannot because they are no longer with us. GOD BLESS AMERICA! WELCOME HOME! AND THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE !!!!!
-------------------- Kevin Kolvenbach, 2002 Sunset Orange SS (#3455), Convertible, Black top, Ebony leather, Bilstein, ASR, 6SP w/Hurst, 345HP Dual-Dual Posts: 1046 | From: Pine Bush, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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-------------------- http://community.webshots.com/user/sscamaro02 AMERICAN CAMARO ASSOCIATION 2002 SS (M02-2022)(Build Date 9/10/01) T-Top,Bright Rally Red,Ebony Leather,Hurst Shifter,SLP Options: 345HP,SS Grille,SS Floor Mats,Personalized SS Rear Deck Mat,17"X 9" ZR1 Type Chrome Wheels,SS Cover,Engine Plaque. Additional Mods:GMMG Chambered Exhaust,FLP LT Headers,SLP CAI,K&N Filter,Silver Hood Stripes, Silver Letters on Rear Facia and Spohn Performance LCA, Panhard,SFC and Adj. Torq Arm w/Drive Shaft Loops.384/rwhp and 381/rwtq
1969 SS396 Olympic Gold.Unrestored,L34(350HP),M21 close ratio 4-Speed,Cowl Hood,Spoilers Front and Rear,Console w/Gages.Second owner since Nov.1971. 1 of 2018 Produced Posts: 828 | From: Denver,PA | Registered: Dec 2001
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my co-workers son was just deployed to Baghdad last week.
he already emailed some pictures home... I'll have to find some time to get them resized so I can post them.
Posts: 2441 | From: Chester, NY | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
THAT WAS GREAT! If the story is true, those folks on that plane will all remember this for the rest of their lives.
A story like that sure makes you feel good to be an American. And we certainly need to let all our servicemen know we really are thankfull for their hard work and sacrifices.
Posts: 502 | From: Fort Mill, South Carolina....Charlotte | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
The only promblem is that they shouldn't have been ther in the first place. Iraq never had ties to Al Quida ( now, thanks to us, they do) or any connection with 9/11.(The Saudis had more of a connection.) No weapons of mass destruction have been found or will be found-just lousy book-keeping; More lives have been lost in keeping the peace than winning the war - and what was/is the plan for keeping the peace? Viet Nam 2 - here we come/here we are. Oh, and Mr. Bush-its the economy stupid! (History repeats itself again).
Posts: 1163 | From: Rochester Hills, Mi | Registered: Feb 2000
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quote:Originally posted by Macky: JeffY, you're not French, are you? D/R!
Nope-just the father of a Marine.
JeffY ...on that basis the soldiers deserve all the respect and accolades they get, and more, as they are obeying their commanders, going into battle, to do what they have pledged to do, trusting those that have the responsibliity to make those decisions ...even though the commander-in-chief may have made the wrong decision.
I'm not prepared to weigh in on that debate as I don't trust the media or politicians, so my opinion would be based on ignorance ....and we know where that gets us Posts: 4222 | From: Winnipeg MB CA | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
They deserve all the support and respect we can provide. Excellent story!!!
--------------------
Kevin Villier, 2002 SS #186 - 6M with Hurst and "short-stick", TT, navy blue, chrome SS wheels, Bilstein suspension, SS grill, BMR STB, BMR chrome-moly panhard rod, SLP loudmouth, Direct-Flo lid with Holley Power Shot filter, mallory polished MAF ends, 4.10 gears, PPC LT's. 336 rwhp, 345 rwtq
posted
I agree 100% - never said don't support them. Now that we are committed, let's finish the job. Now that we have suckered the terrorists into Iraq, let's get as many as we can - remember - they don't work for Saddam - they work for Osama! Let the troops do their thing and forget about being policeman. The quicker the better and bring them all home safe and sound.
Posts: 1163 | From: Rochester Hills, Mi | Registered: Feb 2000
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I understand your frustration with current events in Iraq. But go back and look at some of the early AP, IP, and CNN reports from the war. You will find that US forces found and destroyed at least six terrorist training camps, killed or captured many prominent Al Quida members, and have found overwhelming evidence of the development, testing and use of weapons of mas destruction.
Don't fool yourself, the Iraqi regime has trained, funded, develped and supported terrorist groups for many years. Posts: 322 | From: Fort Polk, LA | Registered: Feb 2002
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posted
jeffy, macky is right. Don't be fooled by the medias left bias. We would be in a lot more trouble now if it were not for the tough decisions the president had to make.
Posts: 232 | From: Houston,TX | Registered: Apr 2002
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quote:Originally posted by helloween: jeffy, macky is right. Don't be fooled by the medias left bias. We would be in a lot more trouble now if it were not for the tough decisions the president had to make.
You mean don't be fooled by the conservative voice of Rush and his cronies who can't get far enough to the right! ( I voted for the guy who won the popular vote-not the guy who's brother was governor of Florida). What tough decisions? To spend $67B to fix something we destroyed when we really need that money and people here in our own country? Just watched the news and heard the Army say how they lost track of Osama a year ago-"the trial is cold" said an Army general - not the media.
Posts: 1163 | From: Rochester Hills, Mi | Registered: Feb 2000
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You mean don't be fooled by the conservative voice of Rush and his cronies who can't get far enough to the right! ( I voted for the guy who won the popular vote-not the guy who's brother was governor of Florida).[/QB][/QUOTE]
Typical reply. You might as well go with the "selected not elected."
I didn't mean to upset you and turn this post all political.
Posts: 232 | From: Houston,TX | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
No need to-was at his house in DC for lunch last year. Daughter works in DC - she's one of those media type that writes for a newspaper there.
Posts: 1163 | From: Rochester Hills, Mi | Registered: Feb 2000
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