The founder of a company working to end veteran suicide on Friday called Delta Air Lines' actions “terrible” in forcing a Marine to remove a T-shirt emblazoned with the company's slogan.
Cory Schaefer offered to pay for Katherine Banks' airfare on Saturday, declaring that she “deserves better” after enduring a humiliating incident.
Shafer, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who founded the Till Valhalla Project organization, said, “Wearing our gear will help pay for mementos for the families of fallen heroes and therapy for veterans.'' “When I hear that someone has been abused, I am appalled.” he wrote on Facebook.
“Miss Banks, thank you not only for your service, but also for your support of our mission. You deserve it better!”
Shafer also offered to fly her to Florida to see his organization in action.
“Here at TVP we don't play politics and always try to practice empathy. We simply pay tribute to our fallen soldiers, raise awareness and help reduce veteran suicide. Here I am,” he wrote.
Banks, a 22-year Marine Corps veteran, wore a Till Valhalla Project shirt as he boarded a Delta flight at San Francisco International Airport earlier this week.
The T-shirt read, “Don't lose the war within.” “Ending Veteran Suicide” was from a collection aimed at bringing awareness to veterans, who commit suicide, an estimated 22 people a day.
However, a male flight attendant removed her from the plane and said the messages were “threatening”. He asked Banks to remove his tee shirt. If I didn't, I risked losing my place on the plane.
“I understand that those two words there are controversial out of context, but in context it’s very noble,” Shafer said.
As Ms. Banks tried to explain her famous military history and the sentiment behind the T-shirt, the flight attendant told her, “I have no interest in your service.”
After he finally relented, Banks was allowed to put on his sweatshirt and return to the plane, but was forced to sit near the back of the plane because he had given up his extra-paying seat to another passenger.
“I feel like they took my soul. I'm not a bad person and that T-shirt should be allowed to support myself and the veterans,” Banks said of this humiliating talked about the incident.
Delta Air Lines did not respond to The Post's request for comment on Schaefer's remarks, but had previously maintained that the matter had been resolved.
“We thank her for her patience as we continue to work to understand what happened during this event. Most importantly, we are grateful for her contribution to our country.” ,” a Delta spokesperson said.
Delta says it can refuse to carry passengers if their “behavior, attire, hygiene, odor, etc. pose an unreasonable risk of discomfort or inconvenience to other passengers.”
