A Solider On His Way To Iraq

[steelerlyn]

Let me tell you about one soldier's return flight to Iraq. He saw a man go into the bathroom at the Pittsburgh airport and thought he recognized him. When the man came out he went over to him and said "Excuse me sir but are you Franco Harris?" The man replied "Yes I am" and then being such a big Steeler fan that he is, asked him if he could have a picture of him. Franco was agreeable to this. After taking the picture they talked for a few minutes and he told him he was on his way back to Iraq. Franco acknowledged his sadness and gave him encouragement and wished him ! a saf e return. They then shook hands and parted on their ways...the end of the story you would think, but not so...

You see after awhile the soldier's name was announced over the loud speaker to come to the desk...which he did...once there the lady behind the counter informed him that there was an empty seat in first class and she was going to bump him up to that seat if it was ok with him. He said he didn't care where he sat in the plane as long as he made it to Atlanta to catch the army plane. She informed him that he was now going first class to Atlanta. He thanked her and went back to tell everyone as he waited to board the plane.

Once he was seated on the plane he was waving out the window to his dad and pap as he felt a hand on his leg. He turned to his side and there was Franco sitting in the seat next to him!!! Needless to say they ! tal ked all the way to Atlanta about the Steelers and then parted with Franco taking his address and giving his signed ticket stub to the soldier as validation of their trip together. This was a trip not of sadness and loneliness but one this soldier will never forget and will talk about forever thanks to Franco Harris. This act of kindness and generosity from this man is one that words cannot express. In my opinion, Franco Harris is "the man of all men"! I wish I could thank him for making a soldier' s lonely flight back to war one of his ultimate lifetime experiences that he will talk about forever.

Thank you Mr. Franco Harris
A Soldier's aunt

[mountaineerinpa]

That is a great story, It goes to show the there are a few great professional athletes around and even better as a person.

[dehayes35]

So touching. Way to go, Harris.

[smurph]

Believe it or not, I also ran into Franco, maybe 10 years ago at O'Hare Airport. My wife and I were on the same flight to Pittsburgh with him. I told him I was a big Steeler fan and witnessed the Immaculate Reception in person.

I also have another similar story from last December. My son-in-law was returning home from Iraq. On his flight from New York to Pittsburgh, "The Bus" was also on board. When they landed in Pittsburgh, My son-in-law got to see his son for the first time and had a picture taken with The Bus, my daughter and my Grandson, which I happily displat at work !