Oakland Airport to U.S. Marines: You're Not Worthy

This morning I received an email from the brother of a Marine in the unit referenced below.  The email speaks for itself and raises some disturbing questions.  While outside OC, it's an issue that is worth sharing.  The text below is unedited, although I have removed the name of the Marine who authored the email:

Marines and Soldiers Returning from Iraq not allowed into Oakland terminal

On September 27th 204 Marines and soldiers who were returning from Iraq were not allowed into the passenger terminal at Oakland International Airport.Instead they had to deplane about 400 yards away from the terminal where the extra baggage trailers were located.

This was the last scheduled stop for fuel and food prior to flying to Hawaii where both were based.  The trip started in Kuwait on September 26th with a rigorous search of checked and carry on baggage by US Customs. All baggage was x-rayed with a "backscatter" machine AND each bag was completely emptied and hand searched. After being searched, checked bags were marked and immediately placed in a secure container. Carry on bags were then x rayed again to ensure no contraband items were taken on the plane.  While waiting for the bus to the airport, all personnel were in quarantined in a fenced area and were not allowed to leave.

The first stop for fuel/food and crew change was in Leipzig Germany. Troops exited the aircraft and took a bus to a reception area in the terminal, where there was a convenience store, phones, Internet and restrooms. As we exited the bus we were given a re-boarding pass. Three troops remained on the plane with the rifles and pistols. There was no ammunition on the plane and the bolts of the rifles had been removed. After about 2 hours troops re-boarded the plane and flew to JFK in NY.

At JFK the procedure was similar to Germany, 3 troops stayed on the plane to guard weapons while the rest deplaned. At the gate we were each given a re-boarding pass and spent about 1.5 hours in the terminal, at which time we re-boarded and flew to Oakland.

As we came in for the final approach to Oakland a Lieutenant who served in Afghanistan with the same unit in 2006 mentioned how when they landed in Oakland they were not allowed in the terminal. He said, "they made us get out by the FED EX building and we had to sit out there for 3 hours".  He also indicated he was almost arrested by the TSA for getting belligerent about them not letting the Marines into the terminal.

Well, the same thing happened again. This time we did not park by the FED EX building, instead we were offloaded near the grass that separates the active runway from the taxi ramp, about 400 yards from the terminal. When we inquired why they wouldn't allow us in the airport they gave us some lame excuse that we hadn't been screened by TSA. While true, the screening which we did have was much more thorough than any TSA search and was done by US Customs. Additionally, JFK didn't seem to have a problem with our entering their terminal, nor did security in Germany.

It felt like being spit on. Every Marine and soldier felt the message loud and clear, "YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN OAKLAND!"

Comments

[Long-time politico]

Does anyone know which government entity owns/controls that airport. This is a story that the MSM would run with if they were not so completely biased.

BTW, next time you see a soldier in uniform traveling, buy their meal. There are few other small gestures you can perform that will make you feel better, and it is the least that we can do.

[Solsby]

Port of Oakland, see http://www.flyoakland.com/index2.cfm

[Solsby]

Port of Oakland, see http://www.flyoakland.com/index2.cfm

What was the reason given for this weird treatment given to Marines? Was it a security issue or what? This story belongs in the strange but true collumn of the week.

[killerjoe]

In 1970 when I returned from VietNam, we were not allowed to wear uniforms at Oakland Airport. Everyone had to buy civi's at Oakland Army Base. They said it was for security reasons. 1970-2007, somethings just never change.

[Green Machine]

As a former Marine, this really bothers me. I understand if there is some sort of a legitimate security threat, but wouldn't having Marines IN the airport increase security?

Is anything being done to investigate the validity of the claim made in the email?

As a O.C. Veteran, I am proud that our County and the Residents support our Troops. The treatment of the Troops by the "Bay Area" Liberals indicate the condition of the Liberal Establishment.

On a different Note, Rumor has it that O.C. Project Prayer Flag Founder-Shawn Black is serving In Iraq again and has received a full brief of this treatment of the troops. Others are saying he will begin a new California support project and might even make a run for State Assembly after Chuck Devore leaves office .....

[Rifleshot]

What a sad situation! Kind of similar to the Berkeley fire department not being able to fly American flags on their trucks for fear of vandalism. The powers-that-be in the Bay area disagree with the policies of the present administration, and that's o.k. Reasonable dissent is to be respected. However, Bay area "leaders" left reasonable behind a long time ago.

[Patricia]

...and SF will not allow the Marines to film a promo video on the streets.

[duplojohn]

This is blatantly FALSE.

OAK (Oakland international airport) has one of the best USO clubs in America.

The airport is known by sailors and GI's alike as a good place to travel through.

Many of the previous posters forget (or are too ignorant) that the Bay Area absorbed TENS OF THOUSAND service members after WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

Patrica, post your lies elsewhere.

[Grunts Mom]

The situation in Iraq is not going to end anytime soon and knowing this Oakland Airport and the USO Club might want to get off their butts and at least put temporary accomodations and consessions-a catering truck and a tent would do- when they know these flights are coming in. Im glad someone finally spoke up for a group of military personel who might have been too exhausted and too close to home to have questioned why Oakland hasnt thought to accomodate all its flights.

[Skeptical]

"The text below is unedited, although I have removed the name of the Marine who authored the email:"

No source, no proof. If this is really how it happened (and why it happened), a source would be necessary, in order to validate the story.

But I do understand why you would want to protect the source. After all, the Oakland Port Authority is pretty scary. I suppose a Marine might be intimidated by them.

Maybe the story is true. Maybe it plays out exactly as you speculate. The Bay Area is rife with idiots who think every soldier is their enemy (odd, especially since so many soldiers are black and Latino, and the Bay is so proud of LOVING all minorities - especially if they can keep the confined to Oakland (ironically), where they keep them fenced in as a sort of zoo exhibit that liberals can go look at from time to time.

But I've gotten email from a Marine in Nigeria before, and he scammed me out of tens of thousands of dollars.

Validate the source, or show some official policy links to the Oakland Airport's website. Until then, I'm skeptical. A story's just a story - until it is proven. Only then does it become truth.

[Ok, here's your reason:]

I investigated this issue (I know, I know "investigating" something is a big pain in the rear, as opposed to just blurting out "Oakland hates soldiers", which is much easier to do)

Here are your links:========
http://www.flyoakland.com/noise/noise.shtml
OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NOISE
MANAGEMENT MEASURES:
... Day and Night
Aircraft Restrictions: The following aircraft shall not depart Runways 27R/L, nor land on Runways 9R/L except during emergencies. These aircraft must use Runway 11/29.

* Turbojet and turbofan powered aircraft.
* Turboprop aircraft over 17,000 pounds.
* Four-engine reciprocating powered aircraft.
* Surplus military aircraft over 12,500 pounds.
* Regularly scheduled passenger and cargo airliners or regional jet commercial passenger aircraft operations shall not land on Runways 27L/R at the North Field, except for emergencies or when Runway 11/29 is closed for maintenance or repairs. ...
========

Yes, this is a NOISE REDUCTION measure, which was done a long time ago, to satisfy people who live in neighborhoods near Oakland Airport.

Military aircraft are sent to Runway 11/29. And look at a MAP, and you will see that this runway is physically separate from the others.

Here's a map:=======
http://flightaware.com/resources/airport/KOAK/APD/AIRPORT+DIAGRAM/png
========

So, there you are. Oakland Airport doesn't "hate the military". The problem seems to be that military aircraft often don't have noise suppression equipment found on commercial aircraft. I suppose that they could individually rate each aircraft that the military uses, and make a case-by-case rule for each kind, but that would be a kind of stupid way to approach it.

After all, they could rate each model of civilian Turboprop aircraft over 17,000 pounds, but why bother? A lot of them are noisy, so they are sent to the remote runway. That's how they deal with noise.

Its just a broad policy about several types of aircraft (many of which are civilian), and clearly the policy is a product of neighborhood noise complaints.

[Courtney L.]

I see people are questioning whether this is true or not...first of all, why would someone make that up? Second of all, I caught this on CNN last night down on their little ticker...clearly they didn't feel it deserved much attention (which it DID) but surely the most liberal news network would check their facts before running it and putting a blemish on the record or their favorite state.

[Knuckle dragger]

Skeptical:

The troops in question here flew in on a commercial aircraft. All members of the military who are brought back to the U.S. from Iraq/Afghanistan fly into the US on leased commercial aircraft.

So, while it may be true that military aircraft are supposed to land elsewhere at Oakland, it is also true that these members of the military landed at the airport on a commercial airplane.

Next argument sir!

[Thom Little]

Here's the thing that I don't get: Michael Ledeen has this email over the NRO Corner. But he says it came from a Marine Chaplain. Yours says from the "brother of a Marine."

Fishy.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/9/29/19643/6091

[Steve Munson]

Skeptical:
If you really investigated you would know that the military used commercially leased aircraft and has for over thirty years.

I flew into the Bay Area from Vietnam in August 1970 "aboard commercial aircraft" and was treated with similar Bay Area hospitality.
My..how history does repeat itself.

[Joshua]

I have no personal knowledge of this story, but the "noise reduction" explanation seems insufficient to me. For one thing, even if the military airplane was required to land at the remote runway, wouldn't it have been able to taxi to the terminal upon landing? And the e-mail said that "Marines and soldiers" were not allowed into the passenger terminal, not just that their plane was not allowed to pull up to the terminal. The writer contrasted that treatment with the Leipzig airport where the military personnel were allowed to enter the terminal to use the convenience store, restrooms, Internet, and phones -- implying that the troops were not allowed in the terminal at Oakland at all.

[Army Wife]

As a fellow Californian, former Soldier and wife of a Soldier this really bothers me. However, like a few people have mentioned before, I don't like to take everything I read on the internet as truth without getting my facts straight. Being that my husband is stationed in Hawaii and I know some of the Soldiers that were on that flight all I have to do is pick up the phone to get first hand information. I can understand that security is a concern at every airport now, but does anyone honestly think that our Service Members coming home from a tour of duty, that has in some of their cases kept them away from their family and friends for 15 long months, think that Oakland the last stop before being reunited with their wives and children would be a place for them to terrorize something. Come on think about it! I know that for some people this is a concept not understood. You have to live the life to fully understand what it takes for a family to have to survive a deployment. I will look into this further and get back to you and let you know what I found out. Regardless of what I find though, I think everyone here should remember that the Service Members on that plane were protecting your right to sit here and have your own opinion to express yourself and live your life the way you choose to live it. Don't try to make light of a situation unless you have signed up to serve and have the courage to be put in that situation yourself.

[James of England]

Thom Little, the "brother" is not the person who authored this. You'll note that "The text below is unedited, although I have removed the name of the Marine who authored the email:"

It is possible that the email is a fake, but one person (Leeden)being sent it by person A and another person (Solsby) being sent it by person B, who claims to be forwarding something written by an author meeting person A's description is not evidence of it being a fake.

Since Kos recognises the possibility of authenticity and there is no other evidence he brings forward of inauthenticity, I'm not sure that there's an issue here.

It's true that Kos correctly establishes that, although spitting is used as an analogy in this mail, spitting did not actually happen. It's a Gotcha! in the same way as spotting that Saddam did not actually kill Mr. Mandela and all his family.

[Chuck]

Until YOU produce the soldiers name that sent this e-mail to someone in the blogging community that is not a right wing water carrier. I and every other blogger will dismiss this story as just more republican propaganda.

Thank you.

-Chuck Adkins

[mentalbil]

Pray everyday for everything west of Oaklan to fall into the Pacific. Would make the world a better place.

[L. W. Rapp, SSGT USMC 1969-76 Vietnam 69-70]

Treated us the same way when we came back. Nothing changes in California, serviceman are still despised while liberal, anti-government, anti-military, anti-america people run the state and continue to abuse. The time will come and not far off. You will be begging but no one will come.

[Nik]

I am the wife of a Marine stationed in Hawaii. Last summer, along with the USO of Hawaii’s Deployment / Re-Deployment Support Program, I sent these Soldiers out, and these Marines out earlier this year. I had the honor and pleasure of welcoming these troops "home" back in Hawaii once again with the USO. I also spoke with each and every one of the Soldiers right before they got to see their families at their welcome home ceremony this past Friday. To say they way they were treated in Oakland is a shame just doesn't cut it. It infuriates me to no amends. These men and women (yes the Army had females returning) put their lives on the line day in and day out for 12 - 15 months. They are trusted to defend America in whatever manner the President sees fit, yet they are not allowed to enter a terminal on US soil??? because of security reasons??? Whenever you see a man or woman in uniform, please thank them for their sacrifice; say a prayer for them and their families; and thank God that it is not you having to go “over there”.

[Army Wife]

Go to the following link to read the Port of Oakland's response. Here is your proof that it did happen.

http://michellemalkin.com/2007/09/30/what-happened-to-our-troops-in-oakland/

[Former Cavalry Trooper]

I have long ago decided that I will NOT go to the PRK (peoples republic of Kalifornia) for any reason.
This is due to the fact that it seems the "loonies" rule the roost over there.
AZ has everything I could ever want and I can even legally carry a weapon if I choose to.
Bob

[Paratrooper]

TO: "Ok, here's your reason:"

Hey dumbf#$k we fly commercial aircraft when deploying ... NICE TRY on dispelling the incident... STFU!

[Gordon L. Hartley]

There is absolutely NO DAMNED reason for these so called AMERICANS to treat our AMERICAN GI'S like this. I have personally lodge a complaint with the Oakland Mayors office and I Beg you all to do the same! BTW he's an ex-Marine!

Gordon L. Hartley
USAF Retired

[Paul]

Seems to be an issue with TSA which is a federal agency. What this has to do with Oakland or California I have no idea other than Gibson and Fox News pulling their usual pot stirring antics. Come on out to the Bay Area mid month when we host Fleet Week and the Blue Angels and see for yourself that Gibson, O'Rielly and all the other blowhard far right nutjobs are full of crap.

[J. Philip, Mt. Olive, Louisiana]

Well, what say you deniers now ? I beleive Oakland Airport Authority and the Oakland Mayor and the rest of the bleeding heart liberal socialist owe our fine Marines an apology, because if not for their courage you wouldn't have the Freedom of Speech.

[Tony Catrambone]

These people at Oakland Airport just don't get it. But, I know they can count their money. Until they get it...Boycott Oakland Aiprport!

I often have to travel to the bay area on business. Perhaps anyone else that cares about our troops should make an effort not to travel through Oakland Airport. There are plenty of alternatives...Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco. Or, simply make the drive if you can. When they see their passenger count go down, perhaps they'll pay more attention to our troops.

[PVT. potanginanyo]

YOU SHOULD HAVE NO AUTHORITY WHATSOEVER TO DENY OUR HEROES THAT FIGHT FOR THIER LIFE AND THIER FAMILIES THAT SUFFER MORE THAN THEY DID DURING THEIR DEPLOYMENT,

[John]

This is more disrespectful to our troops than NORFOLK VA. campaign (DOGS AND SALIORS KEEP OFF THE GRASS) pull federal moneys and programs out of Oakland.

[Greg]

Having been on a number of deployments, the explanation seems a bit thin. Yes they have a nice USO, so what if the troops can't get in to see it. Security is a bit thin, let's face it, only in the Bay Area would a planeload of Marines and Army troops be considered a security risk. I could be wrong but it used to be that the first US landing was where customs and other paperwork was accomplished, since they had been to JFK already, I fail to see the issue. As for the Runway issue, what they don't have taxiways??
Greg
USAF Retired

[Don Bistrow]

I posted the email to by blog yesterday with credits and trackback.

Today I received a comment referring my to a TSA statement as follows between stars:

***TSA STATEMENT ON INCIDENT INVOLVING U.S. TROOPS AT OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/oakland.shtm

On Thursday, September 27, 2007 North American Airlines flight #1777 carrying soldiers and marines landed at Oakland International Airport from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) where passengers were screened by U.S. Customs upon landing from overseas.

At no time were service men and women prohibited from entering the sterile area of Oakland International Airport by TSA personnel or regulations. Airport officials, the airline and ground handling company coordinated the arrival and all services associated with this flight, including refueling, refreshing supplies on the aircraft, maintenance checks and all passenger services.

TSA personnel across the country have worked closely with airports to ensure the utmost care when handling flights involving our troops and will continue to facilitate their movement to the greatest extent possible while ensuring a high level of security for all travelers.***

My response was this:

"At no time were service men and women prohibited from entering the sterile area of Oakland International Airport by TSA personnel or regulations."

Is the sterile area an area where all the public may shop and mingle?

Is this restricted to military personnel only and does this area have shopping facilities, restaurants and similar areas as the other areas within the terminal, if this is different from the regular terminal?

We understand the rest of the statement but it never says the Marines were, in fact, allowed into the airports regular terminal or non-USO facilities.

Therefore, we should presume the well written email stands unless refuted in a factual sense by TSA, not an elusive statement with more spin than substance.

[Sarah]

I think this is B.S. Our men and women in the military have worked their butts off and this is how they are thanked? My husband is currently serving in the Army and if he is ever treated like that I will do my best to ruin future business for the company involved. Isn't this discrimination just like it would be if the plain was full of any other group of people??? It's wrong and very sad.

[brittany]

My husband was on this flight. Everything said in this letter is completely true. Sad, but true.

[Brock]

Seeing as how some of them had the privilege to rape and murder abroad, a little tarmac trouble is a small price to pay.

[Nancy]

This is shameful! As an American as well as a native Californian I am totally embarressed by the treatment given to the men and women who put their lives on the line so the rest of us can have the freedoms we so often take for granted. Just think of what condition the world and our own country would be in if we didn't have devoted men and women who love what our country stands for...individual rights, freedom of speach, the right to travel where and when we please, the right to worship or not worship in our own way, you get my point. I hope people will show thier outrage and boycott Oakland Airport! And BRITTANY, I'd like to see you get your fat ass over there and see how you'd like to wear a bag over your head (being a female...I take it) and see you defend yourself. Just because we hear about one or two unfortunate events involving our guys doesn't mean they all go over there and go cray doing things they shouldn't. So if you don't like how things are here...get the hell out!

[Nancy]

My mistake, Brittany, that should have been to BROCK, who probably is a guy (and prabably still needs a bag over his head).

[Larry York]

This is a slap in the face of our military. I don't understand how peple in our country could treat the volunteers that defend our country like criminals. There is more reverance and compassion given to wild animals in our country than to our soldiers. I am sure there are many patriotic people in Oakland that are upset with this action as I am. But I am also sure there are people on the left coast that are applauding this action. I wish these people would leave this country if they are so dissatisfied. Maybe they would come to appreciate the freedoms they have here and be thankful to the soldiers who fought and and who have died to protect those freedom rights.

[Mark]

All federal funding and support (including FAA air traffic controllers) should be pulled out of Oakland airport - let's see how long they stay in business then!
Or maybe the Marines from 29 Palms should roll some M1's in there and take it over so this doesn't happen again!

[Dick Kruse]

Most Marines are aware that the Bay Area is a liberal place that doesn't have much time for our government or our service men and women. During the Vietnam era I experenced the hatred first hand in Oakland and San Francisco. I am concerned that we have developed a "protected class" post World War Two who don't understand the personal sacrifice it takes to secure their rights. Clueless people living in a protected bubble. Patricia I'm sure you have had a protected life free from true conflict but I'm sorry, you don't have a clue.

[Russ]

Why? Most Military members experience the unwelcome mat when we arrive at the Bay area. I experienced this feeling of not being welcomed back to our country the USA when I returned from Vietnam 1967-68. Our Military should never be treated like second class citizens, these rights are being taken away. The privileges of free men and women.

[Russ]

Why? Most Military members experience the unwelcome mat when we arrive at the Bay area. I experienced this feeling of not being welcomed back to our country the USA when I returned from Vietnam 1967-68. Our Military should never be treated like second class citizens, these rights are being taken away. The privileges of free men and women.

[Brian]

Brock, are you freaking kidding me? What an idiot. I've been to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa and I'll bet you haven't. Rather than raping and murdering, what I saw and did was humanitarian aid. Ever give life saving shots (innoculations) to kids in Africa? Ever provide veternary services to farmers in third world countries? Ever give a bottle of water to a kid who was literally dying of thirst in 150F temperatures. We found lion pits where Hussein would feed opponents to lions for fun not to mention the rape and torture chambers. Come on... Yeah, I figured you hadn't been there. As far as the Oakland Airport goes, it appears to me the airline screwed up and didn't do necessary coordination, but yeah, the airport could have used a little judgement. Hey, a phone call apology from the airport director to the Commander of 3rd Marine Regiment is all that's necessary for this to go away.

[Brian]

Russ, unlike in the Vietnam era where returning Vets were spit on etc, today - WE HIT BACK. Its called Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, and its very effecitve.

[sgt kevin elkins]

as a retired us army nco, i think the president of theses united states of america and gov. of the state of california owe the us marines and every member of the armed forces an apology for this treatment, if that does not happen i think the marines out to do what marines and every other service member would do if they found themselves under attack in iraq or anywhere else( enough said, an "enemy is an enemy" ) we all swore to defend this country against all enemies foreign and domestic. "
................."rangers lead the way, sir"

[Jim]

The Federal Gov. should pull all funding for the FAA and TSA and any other agency. To shut this Airport down for disallowing any soldier his due right to return home after their serving our country. Any member of the Congress or Senate not willing to stop the funding should be concerned about re-election. No matter what feelings we have about war no service man or woman should be denied their right to COME HOME!

Miscommunication on the ground is the weakest excuse that anyone could use.

I am sure that everyone was aware several days before theitr arrival that Marines were COMING HOME.

OAKLAND AIRPORT SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN UNTIL A FULL INVESTIGATION HAS TAKEN PLACE.

[brian]

I don't think everyone 'gets it'. The airplane had a stop in Oakland. The unit was from Hawaii (probably 3rd Marine Regiment). Families of Marines who were from the Oakland area came to the airport to see thier Marines during the layover. The airport should have clued in on all the signs and people waiting, but they were stupid, not necessarily mean. California has always been great to us Marines, and I'd go back in a minute.

I think the statements of apology are the right way to go. Look, San Francisco wouldn't let us film a commercial in their city a month or two prior to this. Now that's rediculous and they sould be cut off from federal funding; but Oakland, with thier obvious embarassment and apologies demonstrated that they had no idea what happens when you ignore Marines. Love us, hate us, just don't ignore us.

[Duff]

Being a Marine on that plane, this story is True. It was our Chaplain who wrote the email, which he also took and sent pictures of the Marines and soldiers sitting in old baggage carts. The lay over was only about 2 hours but we made the best of it. The Marines who had family that came to visit was allowed to travel and see thier family and friends.
Coming back from Iraq, we all felt it was, alot of words i cannot post, but in the end we smoked, talked on our cell phones, stretch our legs and just enjoyed the green grass. Flying home is simple and it was with NAA ( North American Airlines), everyone is just happy to be home. Oakland Airport couldn't break the thoughts of all the freedom we are about to enjoy.
To Oakland Airport come on you have to be kidding me. We were searched for 3 hours by U.S. Customs and you think your security can beat that. Thanks for the welcome home mat.
To you who think this story is false, kiss my white Irish ass. Sign a contract and go play in the sand with us.
For all of you who are awesome and support your troops. Thank you, it means alot. Cheers and remember you are the reason we come home.

[Jamie]

I emailed the Oakland Airport to voice my displeasure at what took place. My husband who served in the Marine Corps told me of this story which he had heard on talk radio. I was in total disbelief!! I am the mother of a newly graduated United States Marine (Graduated Sept 7, 2007, MCRD San Diego) and a native Californian who finds the treatment of our service men unacceptable. I have passed along this story to my friends and family.....everyone has been surprised by this story because our substandard newspapers and news media fail to report such stories, they prefer to tell us about Brittney Spears and her troubles WHO CARES!
I choose not to sit by.... I gave voice to my opinions on this matter and I hope others will too. God Bless America and all of the brave men and women who have served in our military forces, we enjoy freedoms that other countries only dream about because of these brave Americans.....THANK YOU!

[James Packard USMC RET.]

I am a retired Marine from WWII, who fought to keep this country free as Marines are doing now in Iraq. I was born and raised in Oakland, Ca. which I thought was in the USA but now wonder? The USMC and other miltary units keep liberal Oakland and San Francisco free only to be treated as outcasts. I'm disgusted with Oakland and it's airport, I will never go back there, the liberals have gone overboard they are anti-American, let's ship them off to keep us free! Ha, what a joke.

[GINO NELSON]

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Official gives different account of layover
OAKLAND: Contractor says three soldiers who had commitments were allowed off plane
By Erik N. Nelson
STAFF WRITER

Article Launched: 10/05/2007 03:08:04 AM PDT

Related
Oct 3:
Oakland Airport apologizes to troopsOne went to the Oakland International Airport terminal to see his fiancée. One visited his uncle. A third service member obtained a ticket to fly to Houston to see a sick family member.
The three were among nearly 200 U.S. troops returning from Iraq painted by political blogs and talk shows as victims of the Bay Area's hatred of the military.

Airport officials' lack of respect for the military allowed North American Airlines charter Flight 1777 to be shunted off to a lonely section of tarmac without bathrooms, eateries or a place to buy a magazine, conservative pundits and bloggers said this week of the Sept. 27 incident.

The account offered by the manager of a ground support contractor who tended to the troops' needs paints a different picture of the two-hour layover.

The plane was parked on the tarmac, said Michael Sawley, station manager for Hilltop Aviation, hired by North American to reprovision its planes at Oakland. As airport management has contended, the perceived slight was because Sawley informed them that the plane contained weapons and its passengers had not been cleared by the Transportation Security Administration.

But when Sawley learned some of the military passengers needed to get to the terminal, he took them there.

"A sergeant came up to me and said, 'I have a couple of men here that were hoping to see friends and family,'" Sawley recalled.

Sawley said he drove the three men in his company's Ford Aerostar minivan to the front

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of the terminal, where one of them met his fiancée, one met with an uncle and a third service member went to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter to obtain a ticket to Houston, where he needed to visit an ailing family member.
"The three guys who made their request known through their (commanding officer), we were able to help them out," Sawley said.

Airport spokeswoman Rosemary Barnes said that after the three men had been accommodated, airport representatives also visited the plane.

"We spoke to the commander of that group, and he said there were no complaints, that they didn't need any more attention from us," Barnes said.

Sawley also noted that passengers from an earlier military charter that arrived at Oakland the same day from Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., were allowed to enter the passenger terminal.

The main difference between the two flights is that the first had no weapons and the second did, Sawley said, adding that if weapons are on an aircraft, it's normal for the airport to park it away from the terminal.

Since the story broke this week, airport officials have been deluged with complaints from across the nation, as well as requests to talk to media outlets and talk shows such as Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes."

Fox News helped focus nationwide attention by publicizing the complaint of a Marine chaplain who e-mailed his account of the layover to Michael Ledeen, a contributing editor to conservative magazine National Review.

The incident was compared to Vietnam War veterans' memories of being spat upon by Bay Area opponents of that war.

But the airport was remembered as a welcoming place by retired Staff Sgt. Mike Miles, who served until 2005 as the public affairs noncommissioned officer in charge at Camp Parks in Dublin.

"We got tremendous cooperation from them," Miles said of the airport's management, when the division sought to arrange a welcoming event for soldiers returning from Iraq in 2004. "It was extremely successful."

Families were brought inside the secure boarding area -- normally only for ticket-holding passengers -- and allowed to meet the soldiers as soon as they emerged from the jetway, Miles said.

After the greeting, an airline employee announced the arrival over a loudspeaker.

"These guys got a standing ovation from everybody on the concourse," Miles said. "I would say they got a pretty good welcome."

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