For many people, flying is a pleasant experience. Whether it’s a long-awaited vacation or a trip to see a loved one, it’s a time full of excitement and anticipation. But for some, the sky holds dark secrets.
When veteran flight attendant Shelia Fredrick boarded a plane from Seattle to San Francisco, she had no idea her life would change forever. During his mission, he noticed something unusual that caught his attention.
A young girl dressed in rags was sitting next to an old man. As Shelia passed, the girl’s gaze caught hers, and at that moment, Shelia felt impatient. There was a problem. Shelia tried to talk to the man, but he became defensive and more suspicious. He decided to trust his intuition and leave a pen and paper in the airplane bathroom. Because I want young women to understand and be able to seek help if they need it.
After discreetly signaling the girl, Shelia anxiously waited. When she returned to the toilet, she discovered a heart-wrenching message on the paper: “I need help.” In that moment, Shelia knew she had to take immediate action.
Authorities responded and the man was arrested upon landing. A 14-year-old girl became a victim of human trafficking and was kidnapped two months ago. These experiences led Shelia to join organizations such as Airline Ambassadors International, founded by retired flight attendant Nancy Rivard. The organization trains its crews to recognize the signs of human trafficking and works with law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to combat this serious crime.
Shelia stresses the importance of being alert and knowing the signs. Her courageous actions not only saved lives, but also led her to participate in a training program that could make a difference in the future. It is shocking to know that approximately 1.2 million children are trafficked every year. Both boys and girls are subjected to forced labour, sexual exploitation and even recruitment as young soldiers. Heinous crimes against humanity must stop.
Shelia Fredrick’s quick and courageous intervention saved the little girl’s life. Let’s 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 end this injustice.
