Soldier Waits In Airport 2 Days Trying To Get Home. Stranger Makes Call That Leaves Them Both In Tears
inspire by Cailyn Finkel 5/30/2017
Memorial Day is supposed to be a day to honor the men and women in uniform who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The holiday is especially important for current servicemen and women who protect our country every single day.
Unfortunately for an Army mechanic from Illinios named Keaton Tilson, his Memorial Day trip home to visit family was put on hold after an airport debacle.
While working on-base at Fort Hood, Texas, Keaton was offered a last-minute chance to go home for the holiday! He waited patiently at the airport for two long days, hoping to get a standby ticket....
Even though Keaton was willing to take any seat that was up for grabs, nothing came his way. Just as he was about to give up on his trip, a kind stranger stepped in and offered something amazing.
Josh Rainey saw Keaton pacing the airport terminal and knew he had to help. Josh approached Keaton and offered his own ticket - but when they approached the ticket desk to change the name on the boarding pass, an airline employee informed them that doing so was against airline policy.
Saddened by the news, Josh called his wife back home for advice on how to get the soldier home!
After a brief conversation, Josh told Fox 2 News they decided to buy Keaton a ticket to Illinios.
"We agreed both that it was the right thing to do to go back and buy the ticket."
Keaton was shocked by the offer and protested due to the cost, but Josh insisted.
Soon Keaton was in the air and on the way to Illinios! But before Keaton took off, Josh told Fox 2 News that he did something that made his heart full.
"He walked away and came back and asked if he could hug me, and I think we both had to fight back the tears after that.
It was pennies, pennies on the dollar compared to what I got back from that hug."
Keaton told Fox 2 News that without Josh he wouldn't be able to spend the holiday with his family.
"I'm very appreciative because if it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't be [at home] right now. Honestly I feel like I would still be at the airport because it's Memorial Day weekend."
It may have cost a few hundred dollars, but Keaton being able to see his family was more than worth it for Josh.
Learn more about Josh and Keaton's inspiring interaction here!
Have you ever seen a pure act of kindness like this towards a serviceman or woman? Share your story in the Facebook comments section.
Sources: Fox 2 News / FB Image Credit: Screenshot via Fox 2 Now
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