9/11/2011 Flying to Phoenix with Heroes

Traveling yesterday was to say the least, interesting. The Airport in Reno was not very busy a few winners from the casinos and a few losers as well. There were also a large number of Military pilots both active and retired. It was Tailhook weekend in Reno and members of the association were out in force heading home to points all across the country.

I was standing in the Southwest A group line preparing to board when a group behind me started talking about being very nervous about flying on the 11th. A few of us including some pilots did all we could to reassure them that every safety precaution was taken and that the flight from Reno to Phoenix was as safe as any. Besides what would anyone want with a flight over cactus and dirt anyway? We were having little calming effect and I actually thought they were going to have to pull one of the women from the line.

Then,
Up walks Senator John McCain taking his place and standing in line with the rest of us. I have had the opportunity to have a few words with the Senator in the past and he does have a very calming nature about him. Within a few seconds of the group seeing the Senator the entire atmosphere around the boarding gate changed. One woman stated in a very matter of fact voice that “If Senator McCain can fly today so can I”

Our pilot “Air Force” welcomed everyone on the plane mad a few cracks concerning Naval Aviators and to not worry since he was Air Force he knew where Phoenix was and that he did not need water to find the runway. He closed his welcome asking all of us to "look around at all of the Heroes of our Country in every seat on the plane". He then added that we would be in Phoenix 4-5 seconds early. An Army helicopter pilot behind me made a remark about Marine pilots and an engineer from Northrop told the Army pilot that he was like a weebeles but opposite. There were muted laughs from other seats with that remark and a belly laugh from the Army Pilot.

All in all it was a great and relaxed flight with people making new friends and thanking all aboard for their service and sacrifices. One pilot asked that he not be thanked individually but instead to thank everyone on the plane because that is what he believed in, not him the individual but the Nation and its people.   

Our Nations tragedy on 9/11 caused uneasiness for many yesterday but that same tragedy brought over 100 people closer for one hour and twenty three minutes proving the resolve and spirit of ALL Americans can be injured, kicked and tested but it will never give in to the terrorist acts of those that believe they are heaven bound but hell destined.  

Kevin Hoagland