For many people between the ages of 45 and 65, flying is an exciting and anticipated experience. Whether it’s a long-awaited vacation or a visit to a loved one, the sky holds promise and adventure. However, it’s important to remember that the sky also hides dark secrets.
When veteran flight attendant Shelia Fredrick boarded a plane from Seattle to San Francisco, little did she know that her life was about to change forever. During her routine checks, something caught her attention. She noticed a young girl sitting next to an older man, dressed in tattered clothes. As Shelia walked past them, the girl made eye contact with her, and in that moment, Shelia sensed something was wrong.
Instinctively, Shelia tried to engage the man in conversation, but he became defensive and suspicious. Trusting her intuition, Shelia discreetly left a pen and paper in the airplane bathroom, hoping that the young girl would find it and seek help if she needed it.
After signaling the girl discreetly, Shelia anxiously waited for her return to the bathroom. When Shelia discovered the heart-wrenching message written on the paper – “I need help” – she knew she had to take immediate action.
Upon landing, authorities responded and the man was arrested. It was later discovered that the 14-year-old girl had been kidnapped two months prior and was a victim of human trafficking. These experiences compelled Shelia to join organizations like Airline Ambassadors International, which was founded by retired flight attendant Nancy Rivard. This organization trains flight crews to recognize the signs of human trafficking and works closely with law enforcement agencies, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to combat this serious crime.
Shelia stresses the importance of being alert and knowing the signs of human trafficking. Her courageous actions not only saved lives but also prompted her to participate in a training program that could make a difference for future victims. It is shocking to learn that approximately 1.2 million children are trafficked every year, subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, and even recruitment as child soldiers. These heinous crimes against humanity must be brought to an end.
Shelia Fredrick’s quick and courageous intervention saved the life of a young girl. Let us celebrate Shelia and the entire crew who work tirelessly to fight human trafficking. Share this post with your loved ones to raise awareness of this ongoing issue. Together, we can make a difference and bring an end to this injustice.
