A Delta crew that assisted Rep. John Lewis when he became ill during a recent flight have received Congressional Certificates of Appreciation.
Lewis was traveling from Detroit to Atlanta on Saturday on Delta flight 513 when he became ill mid-flight, and the airline’s crew and fellow customers quickly jumped into action.
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To express his gratitude for the assistance, Lewis returned to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Wednesday to thank the crew personally.
“I have lived in Atlanta a long time,” said Lewis. “I always prefer to fly Delta, whenever you are flying where I need to go. You are always good to me. I want to thank the entire Delta flight team and the Delta attendants on the ground who helped me during this discomforting experience for their compassion and professionalism. You are the best airline in the business.”
The U.S. representative for Georgia’s 5th congressional district, Lewis is the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation and a beloved civil rights leader.
During his mid-flight illness, crew worked together to ensure the appropriate medical supplies were quickly available and that Captain John Jones, who was also honored with a Certificate of Appreciation, was aware of the situation onboard to ensure medical personnel would be available upon arrival.
“Immediately our training kicked in and we had to maneuver around our carts to assess the situation as quickly as possible,” said flight attendant Ishbel Harrison.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by such an influential person and I am glad that I was able to help,” said flight leader Carolina Juric.
The crew described Rep. Lewis as a “real trooper,” noting that he was making jokes once the plane landed. Lewis even tried to walk off the plane but was advised to wait for medical personnel.
“His status is not what was important during that moment, because every single customer deserves to be treated like that,” said flight attendant Opal Doubleday. “It’s a life, and we have a duty to help in any way possible. I am gracious for the opportunity to receive a token of appreciation from a man who has impacted so many lives.”
