A friend of mine from my Knight's of Columbus Council lost his son last Sunday after a 12-year battle with cancer. Chris was a retired Air Force Tech Sergeant and his body was to be flown from San Antonio, TX to Norfolk, Va for internment at the National Cemetery in Hampton.
His flag-draped casket was escorted by two service members as is customary. They went down on the tarmac to ensure a respectful load and send-off, then boarded the plane themselves. In Atlanta, there was a stop and a crew change. Apparently, at this time, the important information that a deceased retiree was on board was not passed along.
When the plane landed in Norfolk, VA, the two escorts were not allowed to go down on the tarmac to supervise the unloading of Chris's body as is normally done. As they and the father of Chris (my friend) watched from their vantage point, they witnessed his flag-draped coffin be loaded on a baggage cart and luggage from the flight thrown on top of it. This disgusts me, that they would not only desecrate the body of someone, but especially one that is draped with a flag. The gentleman who had been taking care of Chris for several years had to be restrained and removed from the baggage area...he was ready to go ballistic on someone.
When my friend called the "Delta Cares" number, he was told that it was impossible that happened. After calling the person on the phone the "son of a female dog", he explained that he had witnessed it himself. No apology was given and he was told that the workers were contractors, not employed by the airline.
My friend told them he will settle for nothing less than the firing of the people who treated his son's body as they did. Worst of all...the airline's reaction was despicable. I, for one, will NEVER fly Delta again if at all within my power.
I would suggest this.... They should call again. This time, demand to speak to a Supervisor or something. If they already did, they need to talk to a different one. One who would care and explain.... If this was your sons coffin or anyone you love, how would you feel? Working with customers daily and dealing with complains it could have been a bad time for the person they spoke to. They could have got someone just before his call complaining because the Fight only had peanuts and not the cookies and demanded a flight refund. You never really truely know.
ReplyDeleteSometimes settling with the first call won't always work. I worked with Delta many times in my job, and they Usually are very nice and they are the Customer to me, not me being one of their customers. I say give it another shot, get someone different to handle this situation. Maybe the person they talked to didn't know how these things were handled and how VERY SERIOUS these peoples actions were.... Might be some stupid kid that doesn't know and doesnt respect those who have passed.
Ashley