Til Valhalla Project’s Response to Delta Airlines: Standing with Our Veterans
At Til Valhalla Project, our mission has always been clear: to Honor the selfless service of our nation's Heroes and to shed light on the importance of mental health, particularly when it comes to preventing Veteran suicide. It is with deep empathy and disappointment that we respond to the recent incident involving a Veteran, Catherine Banks, who was unjustly removed from a Delta flight due to her choice of clothing, a shirt that boldly advocated for an end to Veteran suicide.
To read the news article pertaining to this incident click here.
An Unjust Treatment of a Hero
Catherine Banks, a Marine Corps Veteran, was humiliated and disrespected by a Delta flight attendant simply for wearing a shirt that encapsulates her dedication to supporting fellow Veterans: "Do not give in to the war within. End Veteran suicide." This message, far from being threatening, is a plea for awareness and empathy for those struggling with mental health challenges after serving our nation. It is both heartbreaking and unacceptable that a message advocating for saving lives could be misconstrued as harmful or inappropriate.
The treatment Ms. Banks endured is not just a disservice to her, but to all Veterans who fight silent battles every day. Catherine served our country for four years in the Marine Corps, she deserves nothing less than respect, appreciation, and gratitude for her service. For Delta to ignore her contributions and humiliate her by demanding she remove her shirt goes against the very values we as Americans uphold.
Our Mission at Til Valhalla Project
The shirt Ms. Banks wore represents the core of what we do at Til Valhalla Project. Our mission is to Honor the Fallen and support our Veterans, many of whom struggle with the invisible scars of war, such as PTSD and suicidal ideation. We create memorial plaques for families of the Fallen, and we fund crucial mental health therapy for struggling Veterans through the sale of impactful apparel - just like the shirt Catherine Banks was wearing.
We stand in complete solidarity with Ms. Banks and all Veterans who face challenges beyond the battlefield. Veteran suicide is an epidemic - we lose over 22 Veterans a day to suicide, and it's our mission to ensure that number decreases. Through our apparel, like the one Catherine wore, we aim to raise awareness and provide a lifeline for those struggling to continue their fight.
"Miss Banks, THANK YOU for not only your service but for your support in our mission. You deserved better! Be on the lookout for an email from us because I’m covering your flight, and another flight if you want to come see what we do personally. Semper Fi!"- Korey Shaffer, Founder, T.V.P.
A Call for Empathy and Understanding
To Delta Airlines, we urge you to take this opportunity not only to apologize but to educate your staff and customers about the silent battles our Veterans fight every day. Catherine Banks' shirt was not a threat - it was a lifeline, a reminder to those who struggle that they are not alone. We must Honor the bravery of our Veterans, both in uniform and in their personal battles.
Moving Forward
We call on Delta and other organizations to work with us to raise awareness for the mental health challenges our Veterans face. Til Valhalla Project will continue its mission of Honoring the Fallen and supporting Veterans like Catherine Banks, and we hope this incident serves as a reminder to treat all who have served our country with the utmost respect and empathy they deserve.
For anyone who wishes to join us in supporting our mission, visit Til Valhalla Project to learn more about how we Honor Heroes and how your support helps provide mental health services for Veterans.
If you'd like to learn more about Korey's story and the mission behind Til Valhalla Project, check out his newly released book here:
Stand with us. Support our Veterans. Let’s end the war within.