LMichaels
TVWBB 2-Star Olympian
A number of years ago back when I was at UA ORD. We always would peruse the passenger list for military folks. Then if we could would always accommodate and nice seat upgrade. One night I noticed the "MILA" so I discreetly called the pass to the podium. He was navy. I explained I wanted to give him a nicer seat and he explained he was flying with his friend who was not military. Didn't matter to me, I told him. I'll upgrade your friend as well. I had 2 very nice exit row seats available on a 757 and those are very desirable. I quickly switched their passes and they boarded. He then apparently asked the flight attendant to try and flag me before they closed the doors. Well it was me who was closing doors that night so she said "a passenger wants to ask you something". Turned out it was him. Well turned out he was a little bit bigger of a "deal" than I thought. He was the Commander of the Submarine Group 2. He said he truly wanted to "give me something" for my "troubles". And before I could say anything about it he presented me with this. His personal "Challenge Coin". Was right then I really wished my dad's oldest brother was still alive. He was a submariner during WWII and saw plenty of action in the South Pacific. Anyway it's been a cool keepsake all these years
