Awesome Story

[Squidnation]

Awesome story = well worth the read

FLIGHT DEPARTMENT HOTLINE
December 18, 2006


This is Captain Bob Johnson with the Flight Department Hotline for Monday,
December 18.


In lieu of our normal weekly recap, I want to share with you a letter we
received from FO Gary Blied, written after completing his duties on
American Airlines flight #1904, ORD to MIA, on December 3. This is Gary's
letter


"We were informed at the gate that the remains of MSgt Shawn Richardson
would shortly be loaded on our flight for the trip to Miami. He was a 17
year veteran of the United States Air Force and had been killed in the
service of our country. I went down onto the ramp and found the long box
appropriately stationed off to the side in a luggage cart. The curtains
on the cart were pulled. I spent a few moments in prayer with him.


"The Captain and I finished our preflight duties and then went down onto
the ramp, checked in with the crew chiefs to observe the loading of MSgt.
Richardson. We departed almost an hour late due to our late arrival into
Chicago.


"We called for push and it was immediately granted. Normally, there's a
wait. We called ground for taxi and again - immediately granted.
Normally, there's a wait. We were cleared onto the runway and for an
immediate take off. Passing through about twenty five thousand feet, we
were further cleared direct OMN (Ormand Beach) which is the first fix on
the arrival into Miami. That's basically a thousand mile straight line and
the most direct clearance I've ever received to Miami. Not a word was ever
said - but people were watching out for us.


"The flight to and landing in Miami were uneventful, until we went to turn
off the runway. The tower asked us to proceed a little further down where
an escort was waiting for us. We did as instructed and a Miami Dade
Police cruiser met us on the taxiway. He escorted our American Airlines
Boeing 757 to the D terminal. The entire north ramp had been cleared of
all aircraft.


"As we approached the ramp we noticed the lights. There were at least a
half dozen fire trucks, no less than 15 police cars and countless other
vehicles. They were all parked in rows with their lights flashing. As we
taxied our aircraft to the gate, the fire trucks saluted our arrival with
crossed streams of water shooting over the aircraft.


"We parked the aircraft and shut down. After our checklists, Captain Jeff
Wallace and I went down to the ramp level and observed the unpacking of
the casket, then the dressing with a flag. It was accepted by the honor
guard, which was comprised of members of the Miami Dade Police Department,
and Air Force Honor Guard.


"After the "present arms" order (when all military and former military
render salutes and civilians put their hands over their hearts) and the
"order arms" order, when the salutes were finished, I noticed our jet. As
I looked up from the ramp level, I saw a face in every window. Not one of
our passengers had moved until our fallen solider had departed the
aircraft.


"When the procession left the airport, there were two cruisers in front of
the hearse and I have no idea how many behind. It was worthy of a
presidential motorcade and a fitting and probably all too uncommon show of
love and respect for one of our fallen.


"And in case I haven't mentioned this previously - it was 1:30 a.m. on a
Saturday morning and I would bet that most of the people on our ramp were
not on the clock.


"Every now and then you see it: the silent majority that makes this
country the best in the world. I was so proud that night. Proud that my
fellow citizens on every level worked to get MSgt. Richardson to his final
repose. Proud of all the people who showed up on the ramp early that
Saturday morning to show their respect. Proud of our passengers that they
recognized a greater purpose than getting off the jet. And proud that my
company, American Airlines knows how to handle this situation with
humility and honor.


"As you go through your day, remember that there are thousands of men and
women overseas in the service of our country, far from home and in
danger's way. Please remember that they have families back here who live
every day in fear of the phone call or visit with the news that their
worst nightmare has come true.


"Be thankful for their efforts and if you know someone who is in the
service - get their address from their family and write them and thank
them. It's the least you can do."



Thanks, Gary. That's all for today.

[JD5652]

Indeed well worth the time to read...May God Bless MSgt Shawn Richardson and his family.

[shoefish]

Ditto. God bless another fallen hero and his family for their sacrifice.

[pitch bait]

Amen, my prayers go out to the family.

[flatbottom]

Bless the family, Tell them I saw an eagle proudly fly today

[anthony]

Wow, very moving. My eyes welled up with tears and my heart welled up with pride.