Where In The World Is Sum1?

The Flight Home From San Diego

Date: Week of August 26^th 2019


Locale: San Diego, California


         The flight home from San Diego was interesting for a couple of reasons.  First, the man seated next to me wore a ball cap and polo shirt emblazoned with 'Golden Eagles Hot Shots'.  He wasn't the only one, there were about 9 others wearing identical shirts and caps.  We started talking, and I had to ask what/who the Golden Eagles are.  His answer was a little surprising.


         The Golden Eagles are not a Sports Team or something similar.  They are employees of the Bureau Of Indian Affairs, and members of the Sycuan Fire Department of the Kumeyaay Nation.  They are one of three in California, and you know I had to look them up.  Here's what I found out.

         The Sycuan Fire Department / BIA Golden Eagles Hotshots organization was established in June 15, 2000 initially as a Type 2 crew. In August 2001, the Golden Eagles received status as a Type 2 initial attack hand crew, which provided the opportunity to take more advanced assignments. By January of 2003, the BIA recognized them as a Type 1 training crew, and by October, 2005, the Crew was fully certified as a National Interagency Hotshot Crew, having met all the standards and qualifications necessary to become one of the nation’s elite type 1 hand crews.

         We talked a little more, I discovered they were flying to Miami to provide hurricane relief support.  I have to tip my hat to those men, they do a valuable service that many people don't think about very often.

         Then, there was the layover at O'Hare.  It was long (fine by me), but it was towards the end of it that struck me funny.  I was at the gate waiting for my flight, and noticed a flight leaving for Clarksburg, West Virginia about a half hour before my flight.  What struck me as funny, was there was only ONE passenger on the plane!  I really wondered who that passenger was, but never found out.  But, in the process, I thought of a small skit that could be done with that in mind.

         Imagine Tim Conway (RIP) and Harvey Korman in a Carol Burnett skit.  Tim is the airline gate attendant, Korman is the only passenger on a flight that will soon board.  Also, Tim is the 'Oldest Man In The World', a character he made famous.  Harvey Korman's tickets reveals he's in Boarding Group 6, even though he's the longe passenger on the plane.  When it comes time boarding, Tim Conway starts going through the standard airline verbage of boarding groups.  He offers boarding to disabled people, and looks around patiently, as if waiting for anyone to come forward and board.  Then he offers boarding opportunities to Active Duty Military.  Again he waits.  Then those with special airline boarding privileges.  Finally he announces boarding group 1, then 2 through 5.  Each time, he waits 20-30 seconds for people to come forward.  Meanwhile, Harvey Korman, the lone passenger is waiting, wanting to get on board, and knows he's the only passenger.  Each time a group is called, he tries to board, only to be rebuffed by Tim.  By the time group 6 is called, Harvey Korman is beside himself, and can't locate this ticket.  Eventually, Tim Conway closes the gate, and it's about 10 seconds later that Harvey Korman finally finds his lost ticket.    Well, okay, I guess you have to have seen Carol Burnett Episodes similar to this to appreciate it.  Try this one...

         Til the next time, when I'll write about my visit to Suitland Maryland.  Take care of yourself and those you love, and write!





Jim Dorrell