... prior to takeoff he is always notified of HR's onboard. He always asks if there are any escorts or family, then asks where they are seated. Sometimes (often) they are seated in coach and if there are First Class seats open, he has the flight attendant seat them in First Class. During the flight he will come out of the cockpit and go to the family and gives his condolences. All military escorts give a courtesy introduction on boarding. The same goes with other pilots- it is a pilots 'thing'. Many times pilots (in uniform) are invited to ride up front in the cockpit (FAA says they must be a pilot & in uniform to jumpseat). Also, allowing the escorts to depart first is usually customary, but without an announcement other than 'Please remain seated.' With a military escort in uniform, it is obvious. No mention is made (if any) until after landing. Some people get hinkey if they know a corpse is below during flight.

He also buys "Pilot's Wings" at the gift shop to give to kids on his flight and if time allows sometined lets them go in the cockpit and sit in his seat and look around. He always has 50 or so sets of wings in his flight bag. It make me proud because this is a personal gesture not an airline perk.

Because of policies he has asked me not to post pictures with his airline logo shown or mention which airline in public post. He has some cute pics of "Junior Captains."