YOUR COMMENTS

I know I am a little late on commenting this article, but I wanted to say "Thank you" to the TSA personnel working that day for letting us through, it meant the world to my family. Dustin has already served one tour in Iraq and we never got the opportunity we did this time.

My heart goes out to the TSA for this unforgettable opportunity.

I want to thank everyone else for their comments and support.

To those who try to make my little brother out to be a terrorist.... I think you should be deported, you are so anti-American and it is fine first class soldiers like my brother and those who serve with him and those veterans who came before them that you have a right to run your mouth. So next time you see a man or woman and uniform I hope you have the decency to thank them for their service, it is the very least you can do.

Thank you Dustin for your service, I look up to you and are so proud, take care of yourself and know you have all the love and support of family, friends, and even strangers here at home.

I would also like to thank those who are serving, served or have a loved one serving for their support.

Cheers
- Ryan Jones, Boston, MA

We've known you, Dustin, your whole life. And we're so proud of you DJ, and so worried at the same time! So glad to see the love and support of everyone in these postings, even if a couple joined belatedly. Be strong, be safe, watch your back and the backs of those you serve with. Come back to us with stories of making a difference, what we all hope for. Love you Dustin!
-Robb & Susan
- Robb & Susan, Greenfield

Duck, Beth, Dustin & Family:

Great story.

Both of us are very proud of you. Keep the spirit & bravery.
- Binny and Linda, boston, ma

I worked at MHT for TSA now at Tucson International Airport in Tucson, AZ.. The process given to the Jones Family was one example of the many times a service like that has been afforded to the flying public. TSA is an organization that provide a safe environment for the flying public. It also understands the needs of those travelers and families.

Any time someone is in need if particular special care TSA will always go out of its ways to accomodate them.

Good luck to that young man serving our country overseas and please have good fortune to get back home when your committment is over.

My fellow former work mates at TSA. keep up the great work as I will also do the same here in Tucson.
- Ron Wood, Tucson, AZ

My comments were in extremely poor taste. Apologies to said faimly and soldier
- Jefferson, Warner

My deepest apologies to this fine soldier and his family. I misread this article and assumed TSA was allowing people to go past security unchecked. I will post here no more.
- Jake, Manchester

Jake and Jeffferson, just wondering, wtf did you do about 9/11, or the IEDs, complex attacks, beheadings, and other terrorist attacks? Let me guess, said "thats terrible, someone should do something about this" and went back to watching TV. It's all good Jefferson, Jake, let me and my friends take care of it, always easy to criticize from the safety of home. I turn 22 in afghan, but most of my friends are only 19 or 20, cant even buy a beer, but we young men have done more in our time in service than you have in your lifetime, guarantee it. Jefferson, you my friend, nice comment, junior doesnt need a hug, junior wanted a hug, im trying really hard right now to "censor" my language, lets just say, when i get home and you wanna make a junior comment to my face, be more than happy to take ya around the corner. To everyone else who commented, thanks a lot, it really means a lot to hear this not only from family and friends, but total strangers. On occasion i get unwelcome comments like that of jake and jefferson or called a "baby/puppy killer", and im gonna say what i always do, "thats your opinion, and your entitled to it, but because of people like me you are allowed to have these opinions."
If anyone else has anything negative to say, just dont and get out of america, your obviously not needed and clearly dont contribute to society.
-Rah
- Dustin Jones, Amherst, NH

What a great story, thanks to the Jones for sharing, the UL for printing, The TSA for noticing and most important to Justin and ALL the Justins and Justine's for what you do. Most of America is very proud of you and WE know why you do what you do. Thank you and God Speed.
- Allan, Rochester

Have you ever seen the Liberty Mutual commercial were acts of kindness are witnessed and then used by the person who saw the gesture? Well, I hope someone reads this and remembers it "next time".

My brother was headed home from his forth tour in Iraq. I patiently awaited outside the gates of MHT for his arrival. His plane landed and about 60 passengers poured out of gate. In full desert cammo and signs of sand still on his boots, walks my brother. I should have had a huge grin, however my excitement turned into disgust, followed by excitement and followed up with a grin when I saw about 40 other passengers behind him.

My point is...If you see a soldier on a plane, please offer up your seat for him or her..Most soldier's are on standby or are assigned a budget seat. I won't say why you should, it should be that obvious. OH! and pleaseeee have some class and let the soldier off the plane first.

As for the 40 passengers on the plane that day,thank you. It made the moment special for him. He also found it humorous that you were yelling at the passengers getting off first. One last thing, not all of the 40 were American.

-Goods deeds can be taught, class is acquired.

Thank you and God Bless you Dustin Jones.
- American, Manchester

Such a wonderful story! I thank Dustin and his parents for his service and all of their sacrifices. I am an Army Wife, originally from New Hampshire. When my husband came home on R&R from his 3rd deployment, we were living in NH. I found out when his flight was coming in early and made it to the airport prior to his arrival. Thanks to the kindness of the staff, I was able to get a gate pass and was standing at the gate when my husband got off the plane.... it was an amazing moment for us both... the staff at the Manchester Regional Airport was so kind and offered the same kindness when two weeks later I had to bring my husband back to the airport, knowing I was not going to see him for another 7 months! I was able to sit with him right up until the moment he boarded his flight. When it comes to this, I can say first hand, that we as family will take every second we can get and are grateful for those that make it possible!
- Beth, Clarksville TN

Prayers of comfort to all families of those who serve. To Dustin - may the angels watch over you. And last but not least a hearty hooray for the American businesses and citizens who honor our troops.
- Deb, Pelham

My best wishes to the family AND to the TSA Staff. You people who don't like anything anyone does need to move back to Massachusetts or Libya or wherever you come from. You dang sure aren't American.
- Alan Yates, Concord

God Speed Dustin and thanks for your service. To the Jones family, thanks for your support as well. Its not easy to watch your son or daughter join the military and we are thankful for your patriotism and support, as well.

TSA - great job!!!! I fly every week and you are one of the nicest and most professional staffs I have ever encountered. I'm sure you don't get thanked enough but gestures like this go a long way.

To all the people who need to find something negative to say or use this forum to make disparaging comments - here's some advice - Don't kill a good thing and learn to be happy when we finally read some good news!

Chris B.
Captain, US Army Reserve
- Chris, Derry, NH

Thank you to all the Troops and families, you all hold a special place in our hearts. TSA and the airline staff, how wonderful of you to do this. Dave & Sara Thank you we could not have sumed it up better. Dave K Sandown Thank you for the info. We will be glad to support this organization.
- Doug & Linda, Derry

So everyone does realize that he is serving our country. We have priveledge in writing ridiculous blogs but can never say thank you or common courtesy. As US citizens we should ALL serve a minimum of 4 years to understand compassion and what our services are doing for us!!! Thank you Dustin! My prayers to all of you
- Christine, Londonderry

Dustin: Be safe

Richard & Beth: Be strong
- DMac, Merrimack

"I don't think this would have happened at Logan Airport," said Jones. "Maybe it's the New Hampshire way. If not, it should be."
Actually this is allowed, and does happen at Logan Airport. Considering this is the place where planes were hijacked on 9/11 I'm not sure what the purpose in bashing our fellow Americans to the south is.

Second, this is a good policy, but it is not the WHOLE policy.

I was leaving my sister's house in LA and had a cast on my leg as I broke my tibia in a football game, was struggling to carry my carry-on luggage and keep the necessary paperwork accessible with the pain and discomfort I was in. The United airlines ticket agent offered us a boarding-assistance card. This game my sister the ability to accompany me to the gate. Yes, she had to go through security. This is available to everyone who needs it and isn't simply about the MHT TSA and SWA, not to dismiss their efforts but if this wasn't written policy I wonder if it would have happened.
- Sam, Milford

Anyone who serves in the military, peace time or war time, deserves acts of kindness. My six years in the 1980s were in peafeful times, but even then, we knew things ccould change at a moments notice.
When you see someone in uniform, thank them, buy them a coffee, or just say hello.
As for airports, every airport should have an area reserved for military personnel to relax.
- Tom M., Ashland

I am the mother of Dustin, the brave marine, who we saw off at Manchester Airport. Although my husband tried to clarify the issue of going through security, let me try again for some of you. We had to return to the South West ticket counter, show identification, then proceed through security. The most wonderful TSA woman in the world, opened the express lane typically used for pilots and flight attendants, but you still have to go through the entire process. By the way, not one passenger in line was disgruntled at our permission "to cut in line". I left my purse full of woman liquids and smears with my father to expedite the process. The idea we compromised security is ludicrous. I thank the TSA and South West from the bottom of my heart and I will always remember and tell people of their kindness toward my family.
- Beth Jones, Amherst

Mr. Jones, Thank you for setting the record straight.
Those who feel insecure should realize that the Union Leader has been emphasizing the "touchy-feely" side of their stories for quite some time. Of course, not all the details seem to fit the final print....I don't have the reason.
Jake, I don't read the paper often anymore. Every time I do, I see your input. If you should ever feel a need to shoot off something besides your fingertips (mouth), like a toe maybe, there are 5 branches of Service waiting for you to volunteer.
- George R. Roehl, Sr., Bridgewater

Things like this make a huge difference to our military and thier families. Shame on those of you who are critical of TSA and SW Airlines. Our soldiers are heros who protect your "freedom" to sit at your computer and pass judgemnt!
- Shannon, Nashua, NH

First of all, the Jones went through the same screening procedures as passengers do. Did you not understand that it said "they were allowed to cut the line" meaning the line, not the screening procedure. In these times when all in the news is bad, why is it when a nice story like this is printed we have people that have to turn it around into something negative? Thanks Dustin for the sacrifice you have made to keep us all safe, even the negative people. And thanks to the Jones for raising a son that is brave to risk his life for us. p.s. TSA, 7 plus years with no terror attacks has nothing to do with luck. Keep up the great work. You are appreciated by most people.
- Lisa, Milford

Dustin is my brother and I was there, they were very kind and seemed to understand the situation. As far as security we were able to bypass the line, and then hustle through the checkpoint. We still had to take our stuff out put it through the scanner, but instead of it taking like 5 minutes it took like 2 min. So "Jake" it wasn't a breach in security and I guess I understand your concern, but know this, my brother has lost comrades over seas, and parents and loving families have lost sons and or daughters. And what the TSA did and or their policy is not only respectful and deserving of our troops, it is down right heart warming. The woman at the checkpoint not only hugged my mother but shared her compasion. My mother nearly on the verge of tears and this woman did what wasn't asked of her: to show empathy and love towards a complete stranger. The TSA has done a great job.
-Andrew-
- Andrew Jones, Amherst,NH

For anyone who would like to greet returning troops or be part of a great send off team, check out www.peasegreeters.org, a great organization doing great work.
- Dave K, Sandown

Jake!
You insensitive and ungrateful lout!! My son is an officer in the U.S. Army and has deployed to a combat zone. When I stood at the gate, I knew that I may never see him again! I am certain that you have never felt this pain and pride standing at a glass window watching your son's plane taxi away. I am very proud of the actions of these fine men and women at Manchester Airport! Jake! You are a complete nit wit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Richard J. Farrell Jr., Nashua

Jefferson from Warner, are you serious?? If "if junior needs a hug"? Based on your lack of respect for our soldiers, I assume that you have never served anything bigger than yourself. This young man volunteered to put his life on the line to defend our country, and you, how dare you mock him, or his family.
- Patriot, webster nh

Jake and Jefferson:

For real? What is your entry date for your enlistment? When are you headed over to fight Al-Queida?

I thought so . . .

I'm a veteran . . .get a life . . .
- Corey, Manchester

Way to go DJ. Kick some ass and take some names. One shot one kill!!!

Jake and the other ridiculous commenters on here need to recognize this was under supervision, in a conntrolled environment and security was not even close to being "breached". I don't agree that everyone should have this priviledge... when you strap on your sniper rifle and head over seas I'd be glad to give you special treatment. Going off to college or home after the holidays doesn't deserve a family escort to the gate.
- Dave & Sara, Bedford NH

If you had read the story you would have realized that TSA took every security precaution that they take for each individual that is permitted to the gate area. Dick and his wife were merely allowed to move to the front of the line. I am sure everyone in line was more than happy to comply. It is the least we can do for those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so we can sit in the comfort of our homes on an early Saturday morning and surf the internet. As far as the touchy-feely comment goes, you should be ashamed sir. This is more for the family than the soldier and irregardless they are human beings and not on the front lines at that particular moment. So until you have had the personal experience of deploying to combat zones please do refrain from ideological personal beliefs which have no merit. If you have had that personal experience then I sincerely appreciate your service to our country and wish that you and your family were able to experience this same show of gratitude. Thank you Dustin, you are a true American hero.
- Brandon Way, New York

3 years ago I took my husband down to Logan to send him off to Iraq. We did not know about this policy either but while he was checking in at the ticket counter an airline representative came up to us and informed me that I could accompany him to the gate and stay with him until his plane took off. They issued us "guest" boarding passes and we had to go through security like everyone that had a ticket. I had my daughter with me, 6 months old at the time, and both my husband and I were so greatful to have that extra hour together as a family before he left.
Although I am sure TSA allowed the Jones Family to go to the front of the line I am pretty sure there is no way they didn't have to go through security and have their belongings checked just like we did.
Thank you TSA and the airlines for this fantastic policy. It makes a very hard time a little easier for all.
- Meghan, Merrimack, NH

Just to clarify any confusion...Mr. and Mrs. Jones did NOT bypass the Security Checkpoint. They were merely afforded the courtesy of bypassing the waiting line so they would have an opportunity to see Dustin off at the gate before his flight departed. Like all other passengers or escorts with Gate Passes, they underwent complete Security Screening.
- Rob, TSA, Manchester

Everybody gets screened including military and their families. They were ushered through meaning one of us walked with them and helped them divest and make sure they didnt ring the metal detector. They all went through security. We didnt make them wait in the line because we wanted them to be with their son so we let them in the front. So you can all relax on the breach comments.
- Officer with TSA, MHT

Just to set the record straight, my Family and I had to go through security. TSA let us cut the line waiting to go through security because Dustin's plane was taking off in 1/2 hour. Security picked up and held my Swiss army knife. Thank you TSA and Southwest Airlines for the Excellent experience! Richard Jones, Amherst NH
- Richard Jones, Amherst NH

Jake makes a very good point. How quickly we forget 9/11. I certainly dont want Major Nidal Malik Hasan and his family brushing past security to get on my flight. If junior needs a hug before he/she leaves maybe he/she shouldnt have signed up? We are at War!!
- Jefferson, Warner

Thank you to all who serve and their families.
- Mary, Manchester

What a pleasant way to start a Saturday. This was nice reading and thanks TSA and SWA for treating our military and their families with the respect that you had shown. I salute Dustin and his family and pray for his safe return.
- Dan Drociak, Goodyear, Arizona

Jake, Manchester

It's not so much for the soldiers it's for their realitives, as long as it doesn't jeorpadize security I'm fine with it.
- Jack Alex, Manchester

I'm with Jake. Either this is a gross breach of security, or all the right wing fear mongering we've seen for eight years is exposed as the big lie it has always been. These passes should be available to everybody if they are available to anybody.
- Mike, Manchester

I did not know about the opportunity described in the article when I mobilized. Jake's comment on the practice having the potential for compromised security makes sense. No regrets on not having my family at the gate.
- Mary, Nashua

Way to go TSA!!! What a wonderful jesture. Dustin, you are my hero!!!
- Nick, Auburn, NH

What a wonderful thing to do for our military and their families. As the parent of someone who served 3 tours in Iraq I salute Dustin and his parents. Thank you to the airport for the respect shown to this family and others. Jake has obviously never watched a son or daughter go to war. These young men and women deserve the honor and respect of every citizen in this country. God be with you Dustin.
- Mabel, Exeter

Thanks Jake, for bringing up something negative, to a very positive story.
- R, Manchester

I'm able to sit here and type comments regarding stories, because of people like this who defend the Constitution of the United States. It's sad how many people look at Hollywood stars, Sports stars, or Rock stars as being thier hero's when the real hero's are those serving this country!

May you have a safe return from your military tour Dustin!
- Mike, Epping

Stay safe DJ!!!! Thank you for being our Hero!!
- Jennifer, Bedford, NH

Such a heart warming story and a handsome young man. Words just cannot thank Justin enough for serving our country and his family for being so special. I am so happy that you were allowed to go to the gate with Justin. These fine men and women that serve our country deserve to be treated special and with the high respect that they deserve. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
- Misty, Concord, NH

This is terrific! A big SALUTE to TSA and the airline staff! And to the soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and coasties who keep us safe.
- Three3, New London

After reading that UL sentence several more times......perhaps they did go through security screening and were only "...allowed to bypass the line..."
- Dave F., Exeter

What a great story to start a dreary Saturday morning! I agree--great policy. Jake has a good point about being more cautious. The only issue I see is... "At the TSA security checkpoint, they were allowed to bypass the line...." This seems like a catastrophe waiting to happen.
- Dave, Exeter

Finally, the TSA does something right
- Harry, Atkinson

Way to go TSA!!!! This is how it should be done everywhere!

To Dustin - THANK YOU! It is not nearly adequate enough to say, but it's the best I can do. I will continue to keep you and your fellow soldiers in my prayers each & every morning.

To Mr. & Mrs. Jones - Thank you as well. I will continue to keep you and other families in my prayers each & every morning as well.
- Linda, Hooksett

Well done TSA!

Good Luck and Good Hunting Dustin!

Chris Patten
1/6 Scout Sniper Team Leader
USMC 01-05
OEF-04
- Chris, Goffstown

It is really too bad that not every one knows this policy. My son is also in the military and when you have to say good bye at the security desk and they have to wait alone for their plane, that extra half hour or hour could make all the differnece in the world, next time he is home i will be sure to ask to wait with him at the gate
- Mom of an Airman, Goffstown, NH

Nice story. Good for the TSA. And a heartfelt thank you to Dustin and his family for their tremendous sacrifice on our behalf.
- Jim L, Bedford

What a great story....Hats off to Old Gray Wolf and the rest of Manchester TSA !
- Bill, Deerfield

This is a great story but let us not forget that Al-Queda has made it's way into our military. This practice sounds dangerous...........lets not forget 9/11. These young men are trained soldiers...........leave the touchy feely stuff to Oprah.
- Jake, Manchester

Would just like to say, it's nice to hear something good about the TSA. To Mr. and Mrs Jones, I thank you for your sacrifice and to Dustin , I thank you for your service to our country. We at Manchester TSA treat our Veterans with all the respect that they deserve.
- Old Gray Wolf, GIW, NH