article_snippet: While many have not been aware of the decade-long tradition at Delta Airlines, a heart-warming video shows one of the tributes performed by bag handlers as a fallen soldier and his bomb-sniffing dog are returned home.
article_snippet: While many have not been aware of the decade-long tradition at Delta Airlines, a heart-warming video shows one of the tributes performed by bag handlers as a fallen soldier and a fallen soldier are returned home (above scenes from the tribute in 2013 at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport)
article_snippet: In 2010, it was reported that five to six ceremonies were held each week on both departing and arriving flights after a former Delta bag handler and military veteran, Thomas Schenk, started the effort in 2005.
article_snippet: In 2010, it was reported that five to six ceremonies were held each week on both departing and arriving flights after a former Delta bag handler and veteran, Thomas Schenk, started the effort in 2005 (above the military dog's casket is collected to be placed onto the special flag-painted cart)
article_snippet: Brian McConnell, a 32-year Delta employee who has been involved with the Honor Guard service since 2006, took over the coordination of the ceremonies in 2008.
article_snippet: While McConnell is not a veteran McConnell, McConnell father was one and McConnell son served in the Air Force in Afghanistan - so McConnell involvement in the Honor Guard service, for this and among other reasons, is meaningful to McConnell.
article_snippet: The women and men of the employee-led Honor Guard, with several having served in the Armed Forces, have helped transport home more than 3,000 remains through Atlanta's airport, McConnell said in a report last year.
article_snippet: The women and men of the employee-led Honor Guard, with several having served in the Armed Forcesthe employee-led Honor Guardthe Armed Forces, have helped transport home more than 3,000 remains through Atlanta's airport (above the ceremony's end)
article_snippet: McConnell said: 'For nearly a decade, I've stood alongside a dedicated group of Delta Air Lines volunteers rain or shine to pay respects to our nation's fallen heroes as our nation's fallen heroes transit through the world's busiest airport. '
article_snippet: As a member of the Delta Honor Guard, we take great pride in the humbling task of making sure the remains of these military fallen are well cared for as these military fallen make
article_snippet: these military fallen way home.'
article_snippet: McConnell added: 'It’s a sobering experience to stand in tribute while customers on board the airplane and in the terminal as well as the family and escort look on, but It’s our way of serving our country and ensuring our heroes are well cared for on our heroes journey home.'
article_snippet: The the Delta Honor Guard service has grown to include the cities of Minneapolis, Detroit, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.
highlights_snippet: Heart-warming video shows a tribute by staff from employee-led service called Delta Honor Guard - which was started in 2005 .
  