I’ll be happy to explain.

If a military pilot serves his country he keeps the world safe for democracy, defends freedom, etc. etc. etc. We all know the rhetoric, so I won’t repeat it. That protects the free market economy that makes America strong and prosperous. This benefits the entire economy, and the entire nation. Included in that economy is the airline industry. Thus, by defending the capitalistic free market, the military member also advances the prosperity of the airline industry.

A given airline pilot may make great strides for his profession and industry as well, but those effects stay predominately (not exclusively, but predominately) within the industry. That’s not to say they were insignificant. But the military member’s contributions are far reaching and more universal. The country can thrive without a strong airline industry (and has more times than we’d all care to have gone through), but our airline industry cannot thrive without a strong, and free, economy. I agree with you that it’s hard to make the industry safer when your not a union member. But it’s even harder to BE a union member unless you live in a free society.

I’m not flaming or dogging anyone. This is kinda like asking who contributes more to society, the elementary school teacher or the star athlete? Nothing wrong with being a star athlete. Yes, they pay LOTS of taxes which helps pay the teachers salary, but you’d be hard pressed to say their contribution to the overall good is equal.

My problem comes when the military guys service is given little/no credit. Hence my response to the above comments that he’s “just some AF guy” and the like.