Soldiers pay bag fee on travel to war

VFW seeks airline waiver, not reimbursement form

Sometime back this article appeared in the Washington Times Online Newspaper.  I don’t know about you but this really irks Dad.  It sounds to me like the real problem here may be with American Airlines.  You would think a company with such a notable name would lead the pack in helping our military personnel both going to and coming home from war.  Does it always have to be about the almighty dollar?  Come on American, live up to your name.”American Airlines is charging troops for their extra baggage, a practice that forces soldiers heading for a war zone in Iraq to try to get reimbursement from the military. One of the country’s largest veterans groups is asking the aviation industry to drop the practice immediately.

American, which recently charged two soldiers from Texas $100 and $300 for their extra duffel bags, said it gives the military a break on the cost for excess luggage and that the soldiers who incur the fees are reimbursed.

“Because the soldiers don’t pay a dime, our waiver of the fees amounts to a discount to the military, not a discount to soldiers,” said Tim Wagner, spokesman for American Airlines. “Soldiers should not have to pay a penny of it.”

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) spokesman Joseph Davis said service members destined for Iraq should not have to spend the money out of pocket and should not have to worry about filing expense forms in a war zone.

“That’s a lot to ask when the service member has much more important things on their minds, such as staying alive and keeping those around them alive,” he said.

The VFW is asking the Air Transport Association (ATA) to urge member airlines to exempt military personnel traveling on official orders from all excess-baggage fees. “This should not be a very difficult decision to make,” Mr. Davis said.

In a written statement to The Washington Times, James C. May, president and chief executive officer of the ATA, said it is individual airlines that must determine fare rates.

“Air Transport Association member airlines have always been committed to supporting our nation’s military,” he said.

“Airlines routinely offer special fares for military personnel and families, attempt when possible to accommodate unplanned schedule changes and generally seek to do what they can to show their appreciation,” Mr. May said.

Most major U.S. carriers waive baggage fees for up to two bags for military members traveling under orders, Mr. Lisicki said. However, a $100 fee for checking a third bag appears to be the industry norm, except for first-class passengers or elite frequent fliers.

US Airways allows military personnel with identification free luggage up to 100 pounds, and Delta allows two bags up to 70 pounds in the cargo hold, as does Northwest.”

Granted, this story dates back to mid-August but I have seen no followup as yet.  Is American Airlines still gouging American military members goiing to and from war or have they modified their policy.  If anyone has additional information please let me know and we will clarify this gross injustice to our soldiers.

Read the full story here…  

We just received this write up from John C. yesterday.  Thanks for sharing this with us about our young soldiers who are "Half Man and Half Boy"

The average age of the military man is 19 years.  He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country.  He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father’s, but he has never collected unemployment either. 



He’s a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.  He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer. 

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.  He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark.  He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.. 

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. 

He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march. 

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.  He is self-sufficient. 

He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. 

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. 

If you’re thirsty, he’ll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He’ll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. 

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. 

He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. 

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. 

He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. 



He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. 

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to ’square-away ‘ those around him who haven’t bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even
stop talking. 

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. 

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom.  Beardless or not, he is not a boy.  He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years. 


He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood. 

And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going  style="font-family: Arial">to War when our nation calls us to do so. 

As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. . . 

A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets. 

I AM AN AMERICAN! America is at war with the terrorists in Iraq. The US Army, the entire US Military force, under the direction of President Bush is in Iraq to fight the Muslim terrorists in the Nation of Islam.

Please, please do not forget 9/11. God will ultimately forgive the sins of those who confess them through the blood of Jesus Christ. But in the meantime, the terrorist regime in Baghdad, and elsewhere in Iraq and Afghanistan, have given the American military a long list of casualties. The loss of life must stop and it must stop now. The Islam terrorists must be brought to justice immediately. Then and only then will our military soldiers be able to come home. Then and only then will President Bush be able to proudly declare to the American people that the war in Iraq is finally over.
 

Remembering Our Brave Heros Soldiers of War

Remembering Our Brave Heros Soldiers in Iraq. Remembering those who Died for our freedom. With Pride and Honor. They Served. They Will Be Missed. Lets all pray for their families.

Lets all leave encouraging comments for the Soldiers and their Familys. Let them know that we are praying for them and never will be Forgotten. Lets show our Pride too.

Daddy…I miss you!