Wednesday, May 31, 2017


DELTA HONORS MY MOM

Recently there has been a spate of negative stories about the airlines and treatment of customers.    

While I can't speak for the behavior of some of these airlines, I can speak positively about my experience with Delta.  I am currently a Diamond Medallion Member.  That means I flew over 125,000 miles last year on Delta.  My experience with Delta and its crew members has always been exceptional.   But honestly, what Delta just did for my mother and my family, has solidified my desire to remain a faithful and loyal customer of Delta for the rest of my life.

My mom recently passed away and predeceased my father.  My mother never served in the military, but her husband of 63 years is a retired U.S. Army infantry colonel.  Next week she will be interred in Arlington Cemetery as my father qualifies for burial there.   By government standards, she is not recognized as anything more than a military spouse.  Therefore, she is not entitled to a full honor funeral or any other benefit a veteran would accrue for service to the nation.  

Let me tell you her story.  Over the 30 years of my father’s Army career – my family moved 23 times.  By my count, we lived in 11 different states and one foreign country.   Many times my mom was left alone with her seven children, including the two times my father left for year long tours in Korea and Vietnam.  

Her contributions to this nation are evidenced in the fact that six of her children and three of her grandchildren would become commissioned U.S. Army officers.  All would earn an Army scholarship to college.  Two of her sons would serve in Desert Storm. Her grandson Jason would graduate from West Point and serve as an infantry officer in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  Three of her children would retire from the Army. 

My mom never went to college, but her seven kids would accrue 13 undergraduate and graduate college degrees.  One would become a published book author.  And remarkably, all the achievements of her children can be directly attributed to her capacity for instilling in us the desire to be the best that we could be.  

Many of you have probably seen the Airline Honor Guards that properly and appropriately honor those who have fallen in defense of this great country.  As the remains of the fallen are loaded in the belly of an aircraft for the their final flight home, the Honor Guard reverently salute our heroes.  Sometime this week, a Delta employee learned of my mother's death -- her story -- her contributions to our great nation -- and she took action.  My mother was honored just as one of our nation's fallen heroes today as Delta employees loaded her remains on a plane bound for Washington, DC and Arlington National Cemetery.  Words cannot express my heartfelt thanks for their actions on her behalf.  Below is a message from the Delta Honor Guard to my family.   Our family will always be indebted to Delta for taking such good care of a great patriot and mother.  God Bless Delta!!  


Subject: Delta Honor Guard escorting Nancy Milani 02
Thank you for the allowing us the honor of getting Mrs. Milani to her final resting place, by reading her obituary I could see see was a very strong and patriotic woman, it was very humbling to care for her today, we covered her with the American flag for honors today in Atlanta, the following prayers were said by the Honor Guard and the local Airport Chaplain, thank all of you for your service. Sincerely Brian J. McConnell Honor Guard Coordinator.

Although your peace is shaken, hold on to the faith that Jesus will come down to wipe away
the tears that you cry. This life is for living until we are caught up into everlasting life and discover that our journey is just beginning. The winds may blow, and the storms will come, but Jesus died so that we can have eternal life, and have life more abundantly. Be with the family of this dedicated Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Patriot to give them the strength, courage, and wisdom to fulfill the humbling task that is before them. Stand tall and be of good cheer, God has great things in store for those that believe in his powerful hands...The Visions Scripture Philippians 4:13 States. "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me"  Amen
  

"God didn't promise days without pain, Laughter without sorrow, Sun without rain, but he did promise strength for the day, Comfort for the tears and light for the way.  If God leads you to it, God will get you through it. Amen"







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