A story that always gets me...

A story that always gets me... (Full Version)

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BossyShoeBitch -> A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 6:17:59 PM)
I got this email today. I am sure many of you have seen it before. It always gives me goosebumps... THE FLIGHT HOME 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 let's 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 that others had paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" while those Heroes were 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 heroes 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. WELCOME HOME! AND THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!!!

breatheasone -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 6:25:42 PM)
Thank you ...this brought tears to my eyes.

NICouple -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 7:12:49 PM)
now if only we can get our government to treat them as well....

GoddessMine -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 7:23:20 PM)
I don't know. Maybe it's because I'm bitter and a bitch, but: meh. I have a complicated relationship with the Corp. And our government. And LIFFEEEEE. I sat through two of My bf's three deployments, and it nearly killed Me and him both. He gets this type of email or story daily on Myspace, and we just cringe at the corn factor. Love, GM

domiguy -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 7:29:49 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: BossyShoeBitch I got this email today. I am sure many of you have seen it before. It always gives me goosebumps... THE FLIGHT HOME 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 that others had paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" while those Heroes were 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 heroes 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. WELCOME HOME! AND THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!!! Though I will never blame the troops....They all joined willingly. I am glad for those that have arrived back home safely and I mourn for the wounded and those who have lost their lives.....They are not protecting my freedoms or the American way of life....And what exactly have they accomplished to garnish a "job well done" accolade?....Staying alive I hope is enough. Our troops were put in a no win situation....I would have cheered their return....But beyond that I would probably find myself at a loss to come up with anything else to say.

BossyShoeBitch -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 7:38:00 PM)
I am in complete agreement with you Domi...

Level -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 7:52:15 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: domiguy ...They are not protecting my freedoms or the American way of life.... I'd disagree here, DG. When they step up and put that uniform on, they're defending our freedoms. They never have to fire a weapon to do so.

ChicagoSwitchMal -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 9:14:48 PM)
This has been circulating for a while. No one can find the writter, source, or any substantiation of the story. But it COULD have happened and is, at least, inpirational. A nice read.

SDFemDom4cuck -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 9:55:39 PM)
quote: But beyond that I would probably find myself at a loss to come up with anything else to say. As the proud mom of a member of the USAF I would suggest a simple and sincere "Thank You". They don't hear it as much as you would imagine. They more than appreciate it when you do, regardless of how much they play it off as nothing. In fact I could tell you a recent horror story of a "gentleman" that was seated next to my son on a flight 2 weeks ago that asked the flight attendant if he could move seats rather than sit next to a "warmonger".

SDFemDom4cuck -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 9:56:43 PM)
Great story BSB. I sent it along to all my friends. Thank you.

domiguy -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 10:58:00 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Level quote: ORIGINAL: domiguy ...They are not protecting my freedoms or the American way of life.... I'd disagree here, DG. When they step up and put that uniform on, they're defending our freedoms. They never have to fire a weapon to do so. Level, I love you like a brother. A slow, Cowboy, Kevin Costner blowing brother, but a brother nonetheless. I got in more fights trying to protect you than I care to recall....Oh yeah, Mom never loved you. She said she could never bear the thought of breast feeding you....Cuz when you stared at her tits she said the whole thing just creeped her out. Anywhoooo.... The uniform does not make the man or the woman.....The action does....People's response to the call to arms is varied, some found the military as a court of last resorts, others got roped in by trying to find a career or pay for college...Others got duped under the patriotism of 9-11....And then there are those who find a military career to be a noble and courageous occupation. It is unfortunate that our current predicament in Iraq probably has little bearing at all on our freedoms at home....The lives lost there will turn out to be meaningless....There is no nobility or divine purpose in our being there. We as a Country have been misled and the lives and legs and arms and eyes of our men and women who have chosen to serve have been lost in vain. It is all such a damn shame. Our armed services are necessary, how they are to be utilized is ultimately how they as soldiers will be viewed. Not to become redundant, but I wonder if you could ask the Tillman's whether their son died protecting our freedoms... I wonder what their response might be?

domiguy -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 11:03:05 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: SDFemDom4cuck quote: But beyond that I would probably find myself at a loss to come up with anything else to say. As the proud mom of a member of the USAF I would suggest a simple and sincere "Thank You". They don't hear it as much as you would imagine. They more than appreciate it when you do, regardless of how much they play it off as nothing. In fact I could tell you a recent horror story of a "gentleman" that was seated next to my son on a flight 2 weeks ago that asked the flight attendant if he could move seats rather than sit next to a "warmonger". The problem is that many people did enroll to fight after 9-11 strictly on the point of going to war....."I want a chance for revenge...And I'll get to shoot me some of them Ayyrabs." I would probably not "thank" your son....I would wish him well and hope that he returns safely....Then I might mention something about tappin' his mom....Then I would buy the kid a beer.

SDFemDom4cuck -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 11:09:18 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: domiguy quote: ORIGINAL: SDFemDom4cuck quote: But beyond that I would probably find myself at a loss to come up with anything else to say. As the proud mom of a member of the USAF I would suggest a simple and sincere "Thank You". They don't hear it as much as you would imagine. They more than appreciate it when you do, regardless of how much they play it off as nothing. In fact I could tell you a recent horror story of a "gentleman" that was seated next to my son on a flight 2 weeks ago that asked the flight attendant if he could move seats rather than sit next to a "warmonger". The problem is that many people did enroll to fight after 9-11 strictly on the point of going to war....."I want a chance for revenge...And I'll get to shoot me some of them Ayyrabs." While he did sign up after 9/11 he had been talking to the recruiter for a year prior and planned his military career since he was 10. He's actually rather conflicted in regard to his upcoming trip to the desert which I won't go into here. quote: I would probably not "thank" your son....I would wish him well and hope that he returns safely....Then I might mention something about tappin' his mom....Then I would buy the kid a beer. He would probably tell you to get in line and as a consolation prize he would introduce you to the beauty of Humboldt Hemp.

SuzanneKneeling -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 11:19:26 PM)
I'm sorry Level, but aside from perhaps defending our "freedom" to keep wasting oil like it is in infinite supply, that statement is simple, feelgood, wishful delusion. These are honorable, brave and well-meaning young men and women, but if they are protecting anything other than Dick Cheney's deferred payments from his Halliburton stocks by being in Iraq, then I am really Queen Elizabeth of Windsor, finding an outlet for her unexplored fetishes here. Why is it so hard for Americans to realize when they've had their patriotism exploited by a corporate cartel looking to make money off of the blood and taxes of others? I guess it's like when it first dawns on you that your parents are flawed human beings rather than the godlike figures you imagined them to be. Hard, I know, but we all gotta grow up sometime.

SuzanneKneeling -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 11:31:01 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: domiguy The problem is that many people did enroll to fight after 9-11 strictly on the point of going to war....."I want a chance for revenge...And I'll get to shoot me some of them Ayyrabs." The sad truth behind that statement domiguy is that the last time they were polled on the question, 85% of our service men and women in Iraq said we were there to retaliate for "Saddam's role in the 9/11 attacks". Even more misled on that simple question than the typical Bush voter. http://www.zogby.com/Soundbites/ReadClips.dbm?ID=12734 It's not that they aren't bright, but they are snowed 24/7 with rightwing talk radio. Democrats in Congress practically had to go to the Supreme Court to finally get some reality injected into Armed Forces radio last year.

GoddessMine -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/1/2007 11:42:15 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: SDFemDom4cuck They more than appreciate it when you do, regardless of how much they play it off as nothing. Of course that's your son's experience, and it's perfectly legit and true. But for My bf, he actually hates it when people thank him. It's unwanted attention for him, and he feels like he has to put on a facade to make them feel better about themselves. Just smile & nod... Love, GM

popeye1250 -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/2/2007 12:57:45 AM)
Good story! Only two people have offered to sacrifice their lives for us, Jesus Christ and Veterans. I received some bad news on sunday. A friend of mines sister was killed in Afganistan last thursday. There is an article about it in the last few days issues of The Boston Herald. Her name was Ciara (Prounounced "Kee-rah") Durkin. She was with the 726th Battalian Mass National Guard. She was born in Ireland and came to the U.S. in 1986. They don't know the circumstances but she was shot in the head. She was 29.

Level -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/2/2007 3:25:41 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: popeye1250 Good story! Only two people have offered to sacrifice their lives for us, Jesus Christ and Veterans. I received some bad news on sunday. A friend of mines sister was killed in Afganistan last thursday. There is an article about it in the last few days issues of The Boston Herald. Her name was Ciara (Prounounced "Kee-rah") Durkin. She was with the 726th Battalian Mass National Guard. She was born in Ireland and came to the U.S. in 1986. They don't know the circumstances but she was shot in the head. She was 29. Popeye, I'm sorry to hear about Ciara.

Level -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/2/2007 3:32:16 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: domiguy quote: ORIGINAL: Level quote: ORIGINAL: domiguy ...They are not protecting my freedoms or the American way of life.... I'd disagree here, DG. When they step up and put that uniform on, they're defending our freedoms. They never have to fire a weapon to do so. Level, I love you like a brother. A slow, Cowboy, Kevin Costner blowing brother, but a brother nonetheless. I got in more fights trying to protect you than I care to recall....Oh yeah, Mom never loved you. She said she could never bear the thought of breast feeding you....Cuz when you stared at her tits she said the whole thing just creeped her out. Anywhoooo.... The uniform does not make the man or the woman.....The action does....People's response to the call to arms is varied, some found the military as a court of last resorts, others got roped in by trying to find a career or pay for college...Others got duped under the patriotism of 9-11....And then there are those who find a military career to be a noble and courageous occupation. It is unfortunate that our current predicament in Iraq probably has little bearing at all on our freedoms at home....The lives lost there will turn out to be meaningless....There is no nobility or divine purpose in our being there. We as a Country have been misled and the lives and legs and arms and eyes of our men and women who have chosen to serve have been lost in vain. It is all such a damn shame. Our armed services are necessary, how they are to be utilized is ultimately how they as soldiers will be viewed. Not to become redundant, but I wonder if you could ask the Tillman's whether their son died protecting our freedoms... I wonder what their response might be? quote: Suzanne said: I'm sorry Level, but aside from perhaps defending our "freedom" to keep wasting oil like it is in infinite supply, that statement is simple, feelgood, wishful delusion. These are honorable, brave and well-meaning young men and women, but if they are protecting anything other than Dick Cheney's deferred payments from his Halliburton stocks by being in Iraq, then I am really Queen Elizabeth of Windsor, finding an outlet for her unexplored fetishes here. Why is it so hard for Americans to realize when they've had their patriotism exploited by a corporate cartel looking to make money off of the blood and taxes of others? I guess it's like when it first dawns on you that your parents are flawed human beings rather than the godlike figures you imagined them to be. Hard, I know, but we all gotta grow up sometime. *My statement was* simple, in an effort to make my point, which I obviously didn't do. I'm not just talking about Iraq.** If every man and woman wearing an American military uniform, in Iraq, in Germany, on submarines in the Pacific, in radar stations in Alaska, etc, took off those uniforms and went home, what would we be? Vulnerable. By virtue of every man and woman in the United States military putting on those uniforms, this nation is being defended. And for that, I'm grateful to them.

UtopianRanger -> RE: A story that always gets me... (10/2/2007 3:37:19 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Level quote: ORIGINAL: popeye1250 Good story! Only two people have offered to sacrifice their lives for us, Jesus Christ and Veterans. I received some bad news on sunday. A friend of mines sister was killed in Afganistan last thursday. There is an article about it in the last few days issues of The Boston Herald. Her name was Ciara (Prounounced "Kee-rah") Durkin. She was with the 726th Battalian Mass National Guard. She was born in Ireland and came to the U.S. in 1986. They don't know the circumstances but she was shot in the head. She was 29. Popeye, I'm sorry to hear about Ciara. Copy Level on that one. We need to bring these people home. - R

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