The Real Reason This Man Won’t Let Female Soldier Take Her Seat On The Plane

She Was A Part Of A Military Minority

In 2017, the military was made up of 16 percent women across the different branches of the services. Even though this is a fairly small number, the number has been going up as of late. These female officers might be overlooked, but they are truly admirable people. Jessica chose a path that was not always accessible to others like her. However, this might have something to do with the situation at hand.

She Was A Part Of A Military Minority

On Her Way Home For The Holidays

But where was she going anyway? Well, Jessica was on the way home to spend the holidays with her family. She was excited as she had not seen them in such a long time. It was not easy to be so far from her loved ones. Even so, she put on a brave face and tried to serve her country in the way that she knew how. She had no clue that this flight was going to be a little different than the ones before it.

On Her Way Home For The Holidays

Not Much Space On The Flight

Jessica picked up her passport and went to the boarding gate. Once she got to her seat on the plane, she could already tell that something was up. Flights can get overwhelming. In fact, it can be a very stressful experience. No one particularly enjoys being confined in a tight space without much room to get comfy. Still, this has always been the most convenient way to get from one destination to another. This is what Jessica told herself during the uncomfortable flight. But what was so different about this flight?

Not Much Space On The Flight

She Was Used To Getting Strange Looks

The flight had been overbooked, which meant that there was no space for her to get comfortable or spread her legs. This was already pretty bad enough as it is, but she could also feel someone staring at her. In reality, this was nothing new for Jessica. It probably had to do with the scarcity of women in the military. People were often surprised to find a woman in uniform. She could tell that this was the same reason the stranger had been staring at her with such intensity. However, she was wrong about that.

She Was Used To Getting Strange Looks

Her Desire To Serve Her Country

It is not easy to be in the military. Despite this, Jessica is willing to put her life at risk to fight for her country. There is a reason these people deserve some respect. However, this man hatched a plan that had to do with her. He was not simply staring at her out of simple curiosity. Jessica had no idea how her day was going to turn out. You see, it all had to do with what he had in mind.

Her Desire To Serve Her Country

Economy Is The Most Affordable Option

Who does not dream of traveling as comfortably as possible? Sadly, economy seats are much cheaper than business class and first class. The savings are worth the hassle for most people. Jessica knew that this was the case, but she did not mind it all that much. After all, she was far too excited to go home!

Economy Is The Most Affordable Option

What Her Boarding Said

In her uniform, Jessica went to her seat at the back of the plane. After checking the boarding pass, she saw that she was assigned to the 31-B seat. It was pretty far, so she knew that it was going to take some time. When she got on the plane, she got to take a peek at the seats in business class. Even though they looked so inviting and spacious, there was no way that she could afford it on her salary.

What Her Boarding Said

There Was A Delay

She had no idea that as she looked for her seat, there was a person talking about her. This stranger went up to the air hostess and expressed his concerns. Jessica lugged her belongings until she reached the 31st row of seats. The female officer stashed her shoulder bag in the overhead compartment and took her seat. However, it took a while before the plane took off. There must have been some kind of delay.

There Was A Delay

Not Happy With The Delayed Flight

Jessica could tell that something was not right. She had no choice but to try to make the best out of the situation. Even so, she was a bit disheartened that she had to stay in that cramped space for twenty more minutes than expected. However, the truth was that she had something to do with the delay…

Not Happy With The Delayed Flight

The Whispers Erupted All Of A Sudden

It was clear that something was off. She could not put a finger on it, but her gut turned out to be right. Delays are often caused by bad weather, but they had clear skies that day. She wanted to ask about it, but she could not find any flight attendant. All of a sudden, she heard people whispering nervously.

The Whispers Erupted All Of A Sudden

They Acted Secretive And Strange

This was when she saw the cabin crew. They seemed to be acting strangely. In a secretive flurry, they rushed to a corner of the cabin. Jessica wanted to know if something was wrong. The truth was that they were discussing one of the passengers. Said person was also walking up to Jessica then and there!

They Acted Secretive And Strange

What His Real Intentions Were

Jessica knew that she had not done anything to warrant attention. She had no idea what the man might want from her. At any rate, she kept a close eye on him and wondered what she should do about it. She was trained to survive and handle all kinds of situations. Nothing could surprise her… right?

What His Real Intentions Were

It Was Not Standard Procedure

The flight attendants had been giggling a little, using their hands to cover their faces. It was clear that this was not a typical part of the procedure. Jessica did not like feeling as if she were in the dark. She did not mind the whispers and stares that she got when she stepped out in uniform, but this was different. Even though she decided to look past it, she still felt on edge the whole time.

It Was Not Standard Procedure

She Had A Soldier’s Eyes

While her training had been incredibly tiring and intense, it did make certain things easier. She could always count on what she learned when it is called for. Still, she did not want any trouble that day of all days. Even though she was not at work, it is impossible to tell when there will be a threat that has to be neutralized. All of a sudden, she noticed the man making his way toward her.

She Had A Soldier’s Eyes

He Was A Handsome Stranger

He was a tall guy. Jessica also noticed that he was a pretty handsome fellow with blue eyes and fine features. It helped that he was dressed sharply in a suit and tie. Was he going to ask for her number? It was not outside the realm of possibilities as he went in her direction with both purpose and confidence. She had seen it many times in the past. When he spoke to her, however, she was taken by surprise.

He Was A Handsome Stranger

Wondering About His Intentions

Her mind raced as he continued to make his way toward her. It felt like an entire eternity had passed before he was right in front of her. She turned out to be right that he wanted something from her. His intentions were laid out on his face. When he opened his mouth, she was stunned by what he said.

Wondering About His Intentions

It Was About Her Seat

What would a stranger want from her? He addressed her and asked her a question. Jessica was wrong in that he did not want her number. He did not ask about her service in the military either. Instead, he pointed at her seat. Apparently, everything he wanted from her had to do with it.

It Was About Her Seat

What The Mysterious Man Told Her

He stepped closer to her and pointed at the seat. He did not even miss a beat when he told her that her seat was already taken. She looked around with wide eyes. How could that be right? “I’m in your seat,” said the man. She did not know what he was going on about. He asked, “What does your ticket say?”

What The Mysterious Man Told Her

She Had No Idea What He Was Saying

“What? No – I’m 31 B,” she insisted. There was no way she would take this lying down as this was clearly stated in her ticket. She checked, knowing she was right. Was he playing some kind of twisted game with her? Jessica glanced at the flight attendants. To her surprise, they simply nodded at her. What was up?

She Had No Idea What He Was Saying

Perhaps He Was Actually Delusional

Was he delusional? It did not make a lick of sense. He was dressed up and looked out of place in that part of the plane. However, the flight attendants seemed to support him in this. Jessica had no idea that he wanted to make a point. It all became clear when she heard what he had to say next…

Perhaps He Was Actually Delusional

All Because She Was A Soldier

The stranger tried to get her to understand. Since she was a servicewoman, she could not take this seat. He told her that it was admirable how she worked hard to keep Americans safe, but she had to sit somewhere else. She let him say his piece. As you can imagine, she did not expect to run into this kind of trouble when she boarded the plane.

All Because She Was A Soldier

He Wanted To Switch Seats With Her

The man told her that he would be honored if she exchanged tickets with him as a show of gratitude. He wanted to thank her for her hard work. Mind you, he had a business class seat! Jessica could not believe it. This was too much, so she tried to turn it down. He insisted, however. At the time, she had no clue that this was not even the end of it.

He Wanted To Switch Seats With Her

She Did Not See This Coming

In the end, she accepted his offer. She stood up and made her way to the aisle once more. This was not what she expected at all. However, the allure of the comfortable and spacious seats had been too much for her to handle. Jessica was worried because there was no way that she could repay him. Still, she was tired after working so hard for days on end. Her whole body felt sore, but did she really deserve this?

She Did Not See This Coming

The Trip Was A Reward In And Of Itself

She was just happy to be on her way home after a long time away. Jessica considered it her reward after working so hard. She was blindsided when this kind stranger offered her something that she could never afford with her own money. She had a lot of questions for the man who decided to give up his seat for her.

The Trip Was A Reward In And Of Itself

How To Pay Him Back For It

The kind man was bigger and brother than her, so she knew that the seats in economy class would be even more uncomfortable for him. Jessica felt bad because he probably felt cramped in the seat meant for her. It was her turn to brighten the day of this stranger! But how could she repay him for this?

How To Pay Him Back For It

What She Could Do For Him

She did not know what to do to make the flight at least a little comfier for him. Jessica brought it up with a flight attendant, but she did not have a lot of options. After all, she could not even send things to the seats in economy. If she wanted to make it up to him, she had to look for something else. But what could she do?

What She Could Do For Him

He Must Be Uncomfortable In Her Seat

Jessica was very concerned about how uncomfortable he must be in economy class. However, she knew that he would turn her down if she offered to trade seats once more. This is the reason she picked up a pen and a piece of paper. After writing a note on it, she clipped a $20 bill and requested one of the stewardesses to deliver it to the kind man for her.

He Must Be Uncomfortable In Her Seat

Trying To Repay His Kindness

It was his turn to be surprised! He was taken by surprise once he read her note. It said, “If everyone treated people the way you treated the servicewoman, the world would be a better place.” She asked him to have some snacks and drinks on her as well. Despite this, he refused her offer.

Trying To Repay His Kindness

He Did Not Take Her Up On It But…

Even though he did not take her up on the offer, he did send her a response. Upon reading it, Jessica smiled. He had a different idea in mind. How about getting dinner together once the flight lands? It was going to be on him, of course. Jessica could not help but wonder if this was going to be a date. Her stomach was fluttering as she wrote back to him.

He Did Not Take Her Up On It But…

The Two Of Them Got Dinner Together

She did not hesitate to accept. As you can imagine, his act of kindness endeared the stranger to her. At the end of the flight, they went to a restaurant and enjoyed a meal together. All of her exhaustion and weariness dissolved in the face of excitement. She did not think that such a thing could even happen!

The Two Of Them Got Dinner Together

It Was A Very Pleasant Surprise

The truth was that she already assumed that it was going to be a bad day. How wrong she turned out to be about that. This would not have been the case if it had not been for the kind man. Likewise, he was also overwhelmed by the note and money that she sent him. There was another passenger who saw everything happen in real-time. The story only went viral after they shared it online!

It Was A Very Pleasant Surprise

How The Story Got Out In The First Place

Jessica Titus is the name of the woman who witnessed what happened on the flight that day. She decided to share the story with people online in the hopes of inspiring empathy and compassion in others. It went viral right away. In fact, her post received 4,000 shares within an hour of putting it up!

How The Story Got Out In The First Place

Not The Only Time It Has Happened

What makes this even more amazing is that people chimed in to share similar stories. One family talked about what happened on a trip they took. “We saw this happen when we were on a trip. An older businessman gave up his first-class to an army guy! We all cheered for him,” this netizen chimed in.

Not The Only Time It Has Happened

There Are Still Kind People Out There

Aside from the witnesses, the people involved in the stories talked about their experiences as well. Kate Nixon shared that someone once did that for her husband. He had been serving in the army at the time. They had been on the way home and felt overwhelmed by the lovely gesture. We would have, too!

There Are Still Kind People Out There

In The Hands Of Ordinary People

“It’s not politicians or celebrities who are making America great. It’s people like this man,” commented a person who was blown away by the story. Another netizen added their two cents by saying, “’Ordinary’ people doing extraordinary deeds to help their fellow man. Let us never forget that each and every one of us has the opportunity to do some good in the world in both little and big ways.

In The Hands Of Ordinary People

You Can Always Make Someone Feel Better

Isn’t it amazing to see how this story turned out? We always love hearing stories about random acts of kindness such as this one. The anonymous man did not know Jessica, but he knew enough to know that she was a heroine in her own right. What matters here is that he appreciated her hard work. This is enough to make us regain our faith in humanity! Let us remember to be kind to others whenever we can.

If you thought that was a heartwarming story, continue reading to discover these amazing stories that happened to veterans before, during and after their war experiences.

You Can Always Make Someone Feel Better

The Medal of Honor

Dakota stood with honor as President Barack Obama placed the “Medal of Honor” around his neck. The memories of his heroic actions must have been prevalent in his mind at this particularly proud moment. Surviving the troublesome Taliban to return to home soil, his actions saved many. Risking himself for the good of others, we can only commend this soldier for everything that he did.

The Medal of Honor

Turning Back The Clock

Turning Back The Clock

If we turn back the clock to September 2009, Dakota and his unit can be placed in the Kunar Province, Afghanistan. War with the Taliban had been long on-going at this point, and US forces had presence in many vital areas of Afghanistan. Dakota’s unit, accompanied by some soldiers from the Afghanistan National Army had set out on foot to protect anti-Taliban elderly people in the city of Ganjgal.

The Battle of Ganjgal

Dakota and his compatriots were aware that they would not have air support, being so close to civilians and all, it was just too risky. With the support of artillery availability, the soldiers continued on route. On arrival however, the unit ere ambushed on multiple sides by more than 100 Taliban militants. Intelligence had reported some possibility of this, but no way near at this magnitude. Dakota and his unit were put in an uncomfortable position, and needed to keep level headed.

The Battle of Ganjgal

Tactics

Despite calling for artillery support, the request was not accepted on the possibility that there would be great civilian casualties. Furthermore, other air support, helicopters, were under fire at another location. It was quite an uncomfortable situation for the unit to put it lightly. The assistance they thought they would have was gone, and they were surrounded. It required a great tactical decision to bypass this situation.

Response

Dakota and another marine acted fast. Four team members had been isolated, they had no choice but to commandeer an Afghan National Army truck and drive to their desired location, despite heavy fire from the Taliban. Needing to make five return trips; Dakota manned the machine gun, protecting his fellow soldiers while deterring the enemy militants. They managed to relieve pressure off of team-mates and the unit could recover.

Hero

Dakota was certainly a hero. The determination to continue driving through live fire to save fellow man can only be seen as an act of heroism. Together with his driver, the pair evacuated 12 Afghan National Army soldiers. Many of the evacuated were injured; alongside this, they were able to provide cover and support for other US soldiers and Afghan troops under pressure from the Taliban.

A lone soldier

After the heroics that had already occurred, Dakota went that one step further. After such fire and chaos, Dakota eventually had to dismount his vehicle and continue on foot. Continuing on foot, Dakota headed towards an area that the cut-off soldiers were meant to be. After locating their bodies, he prevented their capture by defeating a Taliban insurgent.

Origin

So what exactly brought Dakota to the position he found himself in? To then go on to receive the Medal of Honor? Born and raised in Columbia, Kentucky, Dakota enlisted in the US Marine Corps at a recruitment station after his high school graduation. Following this, Dakota completed his basic training and was way on his way to becoming a soldier.

Medals

It was only right that Dakota and his colleagues received the recognition they deserved. Risking themselves to help the unit despite being outnumbered and lacking support was certainly heroism at it’s finest. Receiving the Medal of Honor, Dakota and two other marines from his team, were told that they would receive the Navy Cross; the second-highest award for valor that is possible for a marine to obtain.

A Presidential Meeting

Dakota was contacted by President Obama’s staff to confirm a time that the President could congratulate Dakota on the phone for his heroics and organize a time for them to be informed that his case for Medal of Honor had been accepted. Dakota however had begun working in construction at this time, and the Presidential staff had been advised to call again at a later time as he was busy at work. Dakota finally arranged a time to meet the President, and his request for a beer with the man himself was accepted.

Dakota is an inspiration, displaying courage and selflessness at levels that most can only aspire to have. Continue reading to learn about another hero veteran.

A Seattle Start

Born in Philip, South Dakota, Patrick attended high school in Seattle, Washington at an all-boys school where he showed from an early age an active interest in sport. After high school, Patrick enrolled at Seattle University where he attended the compulsory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. Patrick initially didn’t have a great aptitude for the program, dropping out to reentered the program shortly after leaving to enter the military as an officer.

The Beginning

Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Army Medical Service Corps after reentering the program, Patrick went on active duty. Patrick was stationed in West Berlin for two years, and after this period became the Motor Pool officer of a West Berlin hospital. Patrick went from higher levels to higher levels, becoming Detachment Commander to then graduate from the US Army School of Aviation. Shortly after a successful start to his military career, he was deployed on to Vietnam.

First Tour

For a one year period, Patrick served in Vietnam as a ‘Dust Off’ pilot. He was the pilot of a helicopter ambulance, rescuing many of his injured comrades. Following the death of his commanding officer, Patrick was promoted. Patrick stayed true to the teaching of his mentor, demanding that they continue his method and fly the way that he had taught them to.

Second Tour

Patrick’s second Vietnam tour was where he really made a name for himself, receiving the Medal of Honor. Serving now as a major in the Marines, he was second in command of his unit. Overall Patrick flew over 2000 live missions, while evacuating fallen soldiers. During his tours, Patrick recovered over 5000 injured soldiers. Simply incredible.

Risk-Taker

Patrick can certainly be considered a hero for his actions in Vietnam. Near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, Patrick displayed incredible heroism. Considerably risking his life; commanding a military helicopter, Patrick volunteered to rescue injured men from an enemy-held area. The area was reportedly well manned, heavily guarded and covered by fog. These are clearly none of the desirable factors for a successful operation.

Method

In order to reach his destination, Patrick flew in his helicopter through thick fog and smoke. Passing along a valley trail, he turned his vehicle sideways to blow the fog away with the rotor blades of the helicopter. Despite receiving live fire from enemy forces, he persevered and managed to reach his destination. A very small site, he was successful in his landing and rescued two allied soldiers.

More Help

Despite this already challenging mission nearing completion, Patrick was further required to help in another location which was entirely covered by thick fog. At this point, ally casualties were only 50m away from enemy forces. Previous attempts earlier in that day from colleagues had failed, and it was up to Patrick to help relieve the pressure on the situation. The task was not easy, but with the skills and ability that Patrick possessed, anything was possible.

Plan of Action

A man with a plan, and a bucket load of courage and determination, Patrick made four consecutive flights to this dangerous landing zone and was successful in recovering all wounded soldiers. Something failed by two others earlier in the day, Patrick’s heroism surely saved the lives of many. It must be considered an incredible feat that despite the many obstacles in his way; obstacles that prevented others from doing the same job, he was still able to successfully complete the mission. Amazing.

The Third Mission

Despite his hectic day so far, and many acts of heroism; Patrick was called on to complete a third mission for the day. Again, he was required to land in an area surrounded by enemies. Surrounded by enemies, and live fire, the friendly forces on the group were trapped in their landing zone. Despite taking heavy fire and having his controls damaged badly; Patrick was able to return shortly after and recover the remaining injured soldiers.

A Hero Never Stops

Upon obtaining an undamaged aircraft, Patrick was sent on another mission. His goal was to land in an enemy mine field to recover a trapped unit of ally soldiers. A mine field is clearly not a safe place to fly, and even for someone with the skillset as Patrick, this was certainly a difficult task. During the mission, a mine detonated causing the aircraft damage and injuring two crewmembers. Despite this complication, Patrick was successful in rescuing six injured soldiers and getting them the medical aid they desperately needed.

A Day To Remember

A day to remember indeed for Patrick. Using three helicopters, in this one day Patrick was able to rescue 51 injured soldiers. Many of whom were severely injured and without Patrick’s actions would have surely died. Patrick’s bravery can only be commended, he has certainly earned the respect of anyone. To act so selflessly and saving so many lives, Patrick went above and beyond for his country, and fellow man.

Recognition

Following his heroic exploits, Patrick continued on to give 25 more years of service to the military. In recognition of his heroism, he received two medals; The Medal of Honor and The Distinguished Service Cross. Both medals citations outline the heroism that Patrick displayed during his missions, risking everything to help fellow soldiers. The Medal of Honor is the highest honor a soldier can receive, and we certainly believe that he deserves it.

A Long Service

Even though we have mainly focused on Patrick’s Vietnam tours, he led a full distinguished military career. These experiences would scare anyone into not wanting to return to active duty, but Patrick was undeterred. Giving another 25 years of life before his retirement to active service is commendable in itself, but due to the nature of the risks Patrick constantly took, he received over 25 medals, giving him the rightful recognition that he deserves.

Heroism and Comradeship

Just like Dakota in the previous story, Patrick is another prime example of how people can go above and beyond in unique situations. Where Patrick utilized his courage and piloting skills, Dakota utilized his skills as a tactician. From the actions of these men, countless people were saved from harm, and they have earnt the right to be commended as such.

Lessons

Wow! These stories are quite frankly incredible, and we can learn so much from them. Selflessness is something that can take a person really far. If someone has particular skills, they should not waste any time in using them; it may even save a person’s life.