One of my favorite passengers... I have meant to post this for the past year so today I am asking my friends to send a Happy 92nd Birthday card to one of my most memorable passengers, Mr Pat Mager. Box 131 Harlowton Mont 59036. I met Mr Mager on a flight from Billings, Montana to Denver last September. He was traveling alone and heading to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to see his daughter, Sharon Waller. As he preboarded I offered to escort him to his seat at 12F. I noticed his patriotic hat and I asked him if he was a veteran. He proudly said he was and shared his story with me. Its my 91st birthday, Im going to see my daughter! I gave him a birthday hug, buckled him in and told him I would gladly buy him lunch and to enjoy his own row all to himself. He just smiled and said he was just fine. As I walked back to the boarding door one of our premier members, who was obviously listening to the exchange, stopped me and asked if he could trade seats with this deserving Veteran. I said I would be happy to ask him. I went back to my special friend in 12F and said We have a grateful passenger in First Class who would like to trade seats with you. Happy Birthday, Mr Mager! He asked me to repeat what I said and I did. He immediately had a smile that could light all of Billings, Montana and said Oh oh that is so nice. Ive never flown First Class. As my friend, Marilyn Turner and I escorted him up front we took a few moments to snap a few photos of the crew and our generous Premier member. After take off the Captain made an announcement Ladies and gentlemen, seated in First Class we have a very special passenger traveling with us today. His name is Mr. Pat Mager. Mr. Mager served proudly in World War II and today is his 91st birthday! Please join me in thanking Mr. Mager for his service to our country and to wish him a very happy birthday. The entire aircraft erupted in applause. Upon deplaning we had Mr. Mager remain seated while waiting for his wheelchair. Passenger after passenger stopped to shake his hand and thank him as well as wish him a very happy birthday. When we landed in Denver I had about an hour and a half before my next flight. I ordered an electric cart for Mr. Mager and I told him I would meet him at his next gate. I went to his express flight and asked the gate agent if she can take extra care of him. She did one better. She allowed me to help him down the jetway and buckle them into his seat. With a hug and a kiss goodbye he was on his way. I sent the photos onto his daughter, Sharon Waller and we have kept in touch from time to time. This week I received this email with a personal message and information regarding one of his most memorable travel experiences. Happy 92nd Birthday, Mr Mager. I salute you! Hi Mary, I went home to Montana for Dads 92nd Birthday and he wanted me to tell you thanks again so much for helping him out on his flight. He said you are his Angel. Now I want to ask you a big favor could you drop him a post card ? That would just make his day Pat Mager Box 131 Harlowton Mont 59036. Dad was one of dozens of Veterans who participated on the Big Sky Honor Flight Sept 23 2012 a program that flies World War II Vets to the national Capital to see the memorial built in their honor. They toured the Arlington cemetery and watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the UnKnown Soldier. Dad said it was the trip of the lifetime and was very touched by the welcome they received on the return home. Dad ended up in the hospital right when he stepped foot off the plane. He was sick with pneumonia the entire time he was there but wasnt going to miss out on any of it! He was a true Warrior!!! Dad was born Sept 19th 1922. He was born in TwoInlets Minn to Max and Clara Mager had 5 brothers and 5 sisters. Dad entered into the Army in 1940 during WWII when he was 17 and when he turned 18 he went overseas and served as a noncommissioned officer and machine gunner in an infantry division in campaigns at Guadalcanal, the Solomon Islands and Luzon he served until 1945. Not long after he married the love of his life and had 5 children. He resides in Harlowton Montana Thanks, Sharon
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 18:14:50 +0000
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