Perceptive Flight Attendant Saves Teenager From Clutches Of Human Traffickers
Flight attendants spend much of a plane route making sure passengers are comfortable, and perhaps passing out a pillow or a beverage.
But recently, an eagle-eyed flight attendant noticed something that seemed suspicious and ended up saving a life.
Quick thinking
“The girl looked like she had been through pure hell.”
Shelia Fedrick
Shelia Fredrick, a flight attendant working for Alaska Airlines, saw a young teen who was traveling with a well-dressed older man. It set off red flags.
Fredrick tried to be chatty with the pair to see if all was well, but the man seemed defensive.
“I left a note in one of the bathrooms,” Fredrick said. “She wrote back on the note and said ‘I need help.'”
Fredrick then told the pilot, who arranged to have police waiting in the airport terminal when the plane landed.
“I've been a flight attendant for 10 years and it's like I am going all the way back to when I was in training and I was like I could have seen these young girls and young boys and didn't even know."
Fredrick to WTSP.
Sharing the signs
Fredrick has kept in contact with the girl she rescued over the past few years, who is now attending college. The experience inspired Frederick to lead seminars for flight attendants on what to look out for when seeing potential trafficking situations on a flight.
"I love to smile, like being around people, that's why I'm a flight attendant. Loving working with people and taking risks," shared Fredrick in a Star Now profile.
The risk is worth the reward
Especially in a time like this, with a global pandemic ravaging the world, flight attendants are constantly putting themselves at risk to make sure their passengers arrive safely at their destination.
What an amazing gift this woman is. Not only did she save a young girl's life, but she also turned the situation into an opportunity to pursue efforts to raise awareness about human trafficking.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.