As the crowded airliner is about to take off, a five-year-old boy
picks that moment to throw a wild temper tantrum and shatter
the peace on board the aircraft. No matter what his frustrated,
embarrassed mother does to try to calm him down, the boy
continues to scream furiously and kick the seats around him.
From the rear of the plane, an elderly man in the uniform of an
Air Force general walks slowly forward up the aisle. Stopping
the flustered mother with an upraised hand, the courtly, soft-
spoken general leans down and, motioning toward his chest
whispers something into the boy's ear. Instantly, the boy calms
down, and sits quietly as his mother fastens his seat belt.
All the other passengers are relieved and grateful; they smile
and nod at the general with gestures of thanks as he slowly
makes his way back to his seat.
One of the cabin attendants approaches the general. "Excuse me,
sir," she asks quietly, "but could I ask you what magic words
you used on that little boy?"
The old man smiles serenely and confides, "I showed him my
pilot's wings, service stars, and battle ribbons, and explained
that they entitle me to throw one passenger out the plane door,
on any flight I choose."
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