Article Title: I’m Proud to be an American
Author Byline: Gina O’Leary
Author Website: http://www.searchlogixgroup.com
On September 5th, 2008, I was a passenger on an evening Delta flight from Atlanta to Boston. It was a routine flight…..until we landed at Logan Airport. As we approached our gate, there were approximately twenty-five Massport vehicles (fire trucks, police, security) with their lights flashing and the drivers were standing outside of their vehicles saluting our plane. There was a group of Marines, also saluting, and holding the American flag at full staff. I also noticed a family on the tarmac, holding each other and hugging. The captain then announced that he had a request that all passengers remain seated until he escorted a Marine on board who was bringing “home” a fallen comrade. You could have heard a pin drop. A very young Marine, holding a folded American flag, was led to the door and then around the outside of the plane by our Delta captain. As they disembarked, the entire plane applauded; there were tears in most passengers’ eyes. A year ago, I had read of something similar to this in an email circulating but had never experienced it. The cargo door was then opened and this Marine went up the ramp to drape the coffin in our American flag. During this entire 15 minute process, not one person spoke on our plane and the salutes outside our plane remained frozen in place. It was such a private moment; yet, such a public moment. It was powerful. A verse from the song “God Bless The USA” resonated in my head … “And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free; And I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me…” I have never been more proud to be an American. The absolute respect and reverence shown to this Marine who lost his life while serving our country is something that will stay with me forever.
Thank you to every man and woman, mom and dad, sister and brother, friend and lover (and their families) who has served our country so that someone like me can sit here in total freedom in the USA.
God Bless America and God Bless Our Men and Women in Uniform…Past, Present and Future!!!
About the Author : Gina O’Leary joined The SearchLogix Group within months of its founding. She has over ten years of highly successful experience in the Executive Search and Placement Industry. Gina is responsible for developing and implementing our Information Technology Solutions, managing our Human Resource functions, and leading our Research & Administrative Teams. She also runs the tactical operations of the office, including vendor relations.
Gina’s team provides research to our President, Account Managers, and Project Managers with regard to our clients, prospective clients, industry trends, and updates significant accomplishments of Leaders in the types of business we service. Her team also created and maintains our presence on the World Wide Web. Training and development of our Staff’s Information Technology usage and capabilities is also a critical area of responsibility that is under Gina’s leadership.
Prior to her career with The SearchLogix Group, Gina was a Manager in Human Resources in the Public Sector for eight years. She is an honors graduate of Bay State College and has completed Advanced Studies in Business Administration.
A native of the Boston area, Gina resides in the Atlanta area with her family. Outside of work, Gina enjoys playing an active role in her church community and spending time with her family and friends.
Email Gina: [email protected]
Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.