Help - I need ideas

[lsbets]

Hi all, I am looking for ideas to help my soldiers out. We are having a departure ceremony this weekend, and most soldiers have family flying or driving in. Most of the unit was cross leveled from all over the country, so barely anyone is local.

So far, it seems like we will have a great turnout. A lot of people live within 6 hours, so their families are driving in.

I was just talking to one of my soldiers, a specialist, E-4, whose family is not coming this weekend because they cannot afford the plane tickets. He has a wife, 6 year old, and 3 year old. I checked with Operation Hero Miles, and their tickets are for soldiers returning from theater on leave. Does anyone know of any other ways that I can help this soldier fly his family in for the weekend?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. I would bet that he is not the only one in this boat.

Thanks,
Jeff

[freeneasy]

all i can think of is call the airlines, explain the situation and ask if theres any way they would be willing to help out and put up the tickets

[JustRalph]

From What City....to What City? When?

[Lefty]

lsbets, ask the airlines about that plan that a Senator put together where people donate their frequent flyer miles to soldiers. Most airlines are participating.

[JustRalph]

Short notice...........this would be tough......

I got $20 bucks.......lets get the ball rolling..........there is only about 500 regular users on here................

[Lefty]

where do I send my $20?

[JustRalph]

Hell.........Lets make it 30 a piece and whatever is left over from the Tickets..........lets buy a friggin colt..........PA can get it done...

[Lefty]

I'm in.

[Larry Hamilton]

I am in, need address

==============

is that A colt or THE Colts?

[lsbets]

Guys,

Thank you so much for the offers, you have no idea how amazed soldiers are to hear tales of generosity from people they have never met. However, I don't think that will be workable, because the event is this Saturday, so time is the big enemy here.

We could get his family a military discoutned fare, but since we are on Annual Training and don't hit active duty status until next week (in other words, the month I have spent here does not count towards the 18 month call up), the airlines require the soldier to be on active duty in order to give the discount.

I wish I had known about this sooner, because I am sure something would have been worked out. However, I showed the soldier this thread, and he cannot believe that people who don't even know who he is would be willing to help him out. Its not quite seeing his family, but it has definatly boosted his morale. Thank you all again,
Jeff