An Open Letter to the CEO of Delta – After The Company Illegally Targeted a US Marine and Police Officer
Our veterans are among the most important people in this country. They carry experiences and burdens that many of us will never fully understand. Many return home with visible or invisible wounds, physical injuries, emotional scars, and lifelong disabilities—because of the sacrifices they made to protect this incredible nation.
Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address, honored those who gave “the last full measure of devotion” to a cause far greater than themselves. Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who made that ultimate sacrifice—not just for our nation, but for one another.
As I sit here on Memorial Day weekend, I’m reminded that while some see this weekend as a chance to relax or enjoy a day off, others carry deep pain. Some are mourning a lost loved one—a friend, family member, colleague, or neighbor who never made it home. Too often, people casually wish one another a “Happy Memorial Day,” forgetting that this day isn’t about celebration. Memorial Day is about remembrance. It’s not about honoring those who came home—it’s about honoring those who didn’t.
This weekend, I heard the story of a veteran—an American hero—who lost both legs in service to our country. Through strength, perseverance, and sheer determination, this individual not only learned to walk again with prosthetics, but went on to become a police officer, continuing a life of service and protection.
But recently, this veteran was removed from the emergency exit row on a Delta Airlines flight simply because they were an amputee.
Think about that: a person who gave their legs for this country was deemed unfit to sit in an emergency exit row. Despite being more trained, more capable, and more prepared for an emergency than most passengers, they were denied a seat—because of a disability they incurred while protecting our freedoms.
The irony? Delta’s own emergency procedure pamphlet includes an image of an amputee assisting in an evacuation.
I sincerely hope Delta Airlines takes swift action. The flight crew must be retrained, this incident must be acknowledged, and—at the very least—a formal apology should be issued to this brave veteran and police officer. Mistakes happen, but true leadership is shown in how we respond to them.
As you gather with friends and family this weekend, please take a moment to reflect on the real meaning of Memorial Day. Remember those who gave everything. Remember those still fighting—abroad and at home. And remember that freedom isn’t free; it’s paid for with lives, limbs, and unimaginable sacrifice.
Let’s never forget. And let’s always do better.
