I’m going to try and give a day by day of my experience as I attend this Vets4Vets retreat. Obviously, I won’t get specific about the people attending or exactly what is discussed, but hopefully give readers an idea of what the organization provides. Already, I’m super impressed.
American Airlines has a program called Air Compassion that provides free air travel to these retreats. When I got to the airport in Dallas, I heard my name over the intercom. As always, I didn’t get up right away because I never want to associate myself with a name given over a loudspeaker so I’m not targeted. It’s one of my issues.
When I get up to the counter, the pilot pulls me around the counter and thanks me for my service. He said he was a message to give me a special welcome, but no indication as to why. I explained why I was traveling to Pittsburgh and he again thanked me. One of the other employees said she wished I had come up earlier and she would have given me a First Class seat. I told her that I didn’t need one, but thanks for the offer. Just prior to this, another guy unrelated to the airline wouldn’t let me pay for my lunch.
One of the cooler aspects of this group is that they sent me a few special coins that I was supposed to give to the flight crew as thanks. Each employee was very thankful for the small token of appreciation and mentioned that it was the first time they had been given something like that. I was treated like a king, something truly undeserved. The Captain even announced my presence on the plane the resulted in one of those awkward moments where an entire flight is clapping for me. It was an uneasy feeling.
Anyway, today we travel from Pittsburgh to a place called Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA. My only complaint is that there aren’t any nearby geocaches to find! I need to find at least one between here and there so I can add Pennsylvania to my map.
Awesome! Love to hear stories like these! Understand your awkward, uneasy feelings, but you deserve it, CJ! Kudos to AA! They did it, as it should be!
Will be very interested in following your info on this/your retreat! Thank you!
You deserve the recognition!! I hope the weekend goes well for you.
Well, i hope that it shows you that a lot of people out there appreciate what the soldiers do and go through for freedom. Hopefully tomorrow we can get the phone issue taken care of.
I had a great time this weekend at the retreat, I am interested in hearing what you thought about it!