On June 9, 2018, I was given the honor and privilege of accompanying my dad on the Greater St. Louis Area Honor Flight as his guardian. This is, by far, one event in my lifetime that I will never forget. So humbling and so memorable.
Two years ago, I applied for my dad, Retired Command Sergeant Major Paul Brotherton to accompany other veterans on the honor flight. In April, 2018, we got the call – it was finally his turn! I was so excited to call him and tell him the great news.
Dena and her father in Washington, DC.
There was prep work to be done prior to the flight. A pre-flight meeting occurred the week prior to the flight where guardians were advised of what the day entailed and what our responsibilities would be for the trip. One of the ways the guardians are asked to help pay tribute to the veterans is to gather thank you letters and letters of encouragement to be given to the veteran during a “mail call” on the return trip home. Guardians are asked to reach out to individuals, family members and friends to write thank you letters which will be given and read to each veteran during the return trip home.
What a heartwarming feeling knowing that your coworkers are willing to contribute time out of their day to make this happen.
This is where social media and networking plays a huge role! One day, I posted on my Facebook page asking anyone who knew or was/is associated in any fashion to my dad to please write him a letter commending him for his many years of previous, current and future services to the United States Army. I even went to the extent of saying … even if you don’t know my dad … your letters are very welcome and would be much appreciated.
I was overwhelmingly surprised when I received over 75 letters and thank you cards for my dad. Letters from elementary students to retired military personnel – my inbox was flooded and my heart was full!
None of my coworkers know my dad personally.
Specifically, one of those thank you cards came from my place of employment, MoboTrex, in Davenport, Iowa. None of my coworkers know my dad personally. I mentioned to our President and CEO, Joel Wright, what had been asked of me for this trip and would he mind if I asked our employees to sign a thank you card in his honor. Joel was in absolute agreement with the idea! I had no idea what kind of attention this would draw.
Many of our employees stopped by my office to sign off on the card to hear “my story” about my dad and his service to the military. They even wanted to see pictures of him! After hearing about his service and what he endured to ensure our freedom today, there were not a lot of dry eyes in the building. What a heartwarming feeling knowing that your coworkers are willing to contribute time out of their day to make this happen. I feel that this says a lot about working at MoboTrex. Above and Beyond. Two good descriptive words for this company.
In closing, I would personally like to thank everyone at MoboTrex for their contribution kind words. It really does feel good to know your coworkers and your place of employment care.
Retired Command Sergeant Major Paul Brotherton in Washington, DC.
Dena Waddell
MoboTrex
Executive Assistant to the President/CEO