Lesson Learned - True Story

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Another lesson learned in life. Back in 1988 I was stationed at Twentynine Palms, California. It is located in the San Bernardino County in the Mojave Desert. I had been there since July and in November I had some leave time and decided to go home for 5 days. This was kind of a last minute decision like most of my leave time was while in the Marine Corps. I was able to get my flight home and let the family know I was coming home in two days. All was well with it and no issues. That morning I got dressed in my civilian clothes as we did back then to fly home. I packed my bag and was ready to go, so excited to get back home since it was just over a year since I had been home. It was a nice day, the sun was out and it was in the low 80’s (27 C) I put my shorts and t-shirt on and was ready to go. Got to the airport and got on the plane no issues. I noticed a few people giving me some odd looks and I was not sure why but whatever, I’m on my way home I don’t care. About halfway on our flight the guy sitting next to me says, “you in the military?” “yes, sir” “oh, where you headed?” “home” I guess I just figured he knew I was going to Chicago since that is where the plane was headed. He says very confused, “Chicago” “yes, sir” He gives this look like I’m from another planet and just says, “Oh”. I thought to myself well that was weird. A little time goes by with no conversation past that. The pilot comes on the speaker. Thank you for flying with us today. Hope you enjoy your stay in Chicago where the weather is at 31 F (-0.5 C) with a slight wind out of the north bringing with it a nice snow fall but the control tower has let us know the runways are clear. We should be landing in about 30 minutes. I look at the guy next to me and he smiles and say, “guess you forgot about Chicago weather, hope you have a change of clothes with you” I did have a change of clothes with me, however, in my excitement of going home I didn’t even think about the weather. I had mostly shorts with me and no jacket at all. I thought I got weird looks getting on the plane I got even more at O’hare. Even my family that came to get me were shocked at the sight of me. My friend was the first to say something, “you know it is snowing out right?” Yea, thanks. Lesson learned? Always check the weather before a flight even if your headed back home. You never know what you might be going into.