99 pewtercoupe
03-21-2015, 7:15pm
Last week we went to Hawaii. Flew Southwest from STL to LAX
On the flight out there were two Army NCOs in full dress on the flight. When we were on approach to LAX the pilot announced that the plane was carrying the remains of a soldier KIA and that when we pulled up to the gate for everyone remain in seats. As we taxied to the gate there was a water cannon salute and a large number of people in uniform waiting on the Tarmac. The two soldiers got off and about 10 minutes later we were allowed to exit
On the return flight from LAX to STL (again on Southwest) it was a full flight and the last dozen or so people to board were all young men
, most of whom were carrying the large Manila envelope. The FA made an announcement asking for a round of applause for these young men who were on their way to Basic Training (Fort Leonard Wood) in Missouri.
Seemed ironic to see the start and end of soldier's journey on the same trip
:halfmast:
On the flight out there were two Army NCOs in full dress on the flight. When we were on approach to LAX the pilot announced that the plane was carrying the remains of a soldier KIA and that when we pulled up to the gate for everyone remain in seats. As we taxied to the gate there was a water cannon salute and a large number of people in uniform waiting on the Tarmac. The two soldiers got off and about 10 minutes later we were allowed to exit
On the return flight from LAX to STL (again on Southwest) it was a full flight and the last dozen or so people to board were all young men
, most of whom were carrying the large Manila envelope. The FA made an announcement asking for a round of applause for these young men who were on their way to Basic Training (Fort Leonard Wood) in Missouri.
Seemed ironic to see the start and end of soldier's journey on the same trip
:halfmast: