In my search for "Delta Family" stories, I came upon this today. From the blog, "SEASIDE CAFE LE WUILLEMET" This is a story the blog’s author received in one of those endless email forwards, but she does not know who started it Normally, I would not perpetuate these things, but this one is a great story. It is just the thing I am looking for here at the CWFAC. It is a story about Delta having an honor guard of employees to receive the body of a fallen service person when in transit aboard a Delta aircraft at ATL. This video choked me up a little when I watched it. This is a great story.
"Dear Net members,
As
a retired Air Force Reserve Lt. Colonel, I am truly touched by the actions of
Delta's Honor Guard people and proud of Delta Air Lines for making this caring
moment possible for our fallen heroes. What a tribute to those men and women
who have sacrificed their lives to insure our freedom and safety. God Bless
them.
This is from a friend at Delta.....makes me very proud of the Delta family:
My son, Ura (aka Bucky) told me about this video and the program Delta started a few years ago at the Atlanta airport. DL carries a lot of human remains shipments and they started an honor guard to meet and honor all our veterans. The honor guard initially was on the day shift only but recently expanded to the night shift and Ura has become involved. They honor all veterans not just those of our most recent conflict. In this case, the veteran is the father of a DL employee and he is being escorted by his grandson who is in the Air Force. A videographer saw one of these ceremonies and asked if he could film one and this is the resulting video. Brian McConnell is the DL employee who is heading this honor guard and he is trying to be sure we also honor the casualties of the Iraq/Afghanistan. I think this is a wonderful thing that was started by employees and makes me proud of DL. Ura has always been involved with things that honor our military like the military lounge DL sets up each Christmas. (in fact that is where he met his wife. They were both volunteering in the lounge). I am very proud of his participation.
Delta's Atlanta Worldport Honor Guard
March
20, 2006....
....One evening on the Atlanta ramp, Tom Schenk was delivering bags to a gate when he saw what appeared to be a soldier standing at the front of the aircraft saluting a coffin. Compelled to investigate, he walked to the belt loader, wading through bags and workers in their flurry of activity. There he saw a female Marine; she had tears in her eyes. He stood at attention and joined her in rendering honors. After the body was loaded onto a cart, Mr. Schenk, a retired Navy Petty Officer, introduced himself and inquired about the deceased.
The young Marine escort revealed that the casket contained the body of her brother. He was killed in Iraq protecting her and others in their unit. Unsure of just what to do, Tom Schenk determined at that moment that we must begin to show a greater degree of honor and caring when we have the opportunity. His passion drove him to rally support from many willing Delta employees.
The paint shop in Atlanta designed and created a special cart, on their own time, to be used when receiving a military body. Worldport leadership has continuously offered assistance, removing operational obstacles by allowing volunteer agents time to help in this effort. Caring people in Worldport Cargo have worked hard to make sure the special cart makes it to the inbound on time and that the escorts are carried to the correct outbound gate. The ACS Forum has welcomed, supported and promoted the Honor Guard all over the Delta system. A host of Customer Service Agents have dedicated themselves to making this unique service outstanding – occasionally donating time on their off days to make it happen. The Chief Pilot's office has made it a priority to keep everyone informed whenever they have a military HR and escort. A VFW post and other anonymous individuals have donated money to purchase flags, emblems and vests. What a caring and focused team we have here!
"It's the least we can do." says Mr. Schenk, "These people took a stand for us so we can continue our way of life." One of the escorts said it best, "It's so uplifting at a time like this to be surrounded by people who really care. It's an honor and privilege to know the people of this airline." We agree. -- Frank 'n' Carol Ann (Legge Wichterman) Faulkner, Chandler, AZ"
Do you have a great "Delta Family" story to share at the Carr-Woolman Flight Appreciaton Center? Let me know. I would love to hear from you. Remember at Delta, "Good Goes Around."

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