when I graduated from basic training at Ft Benning my parents came to my graduation and decided we would drive back to Atlanta to catch my connection there so we could have lunch and spend some time together. Lunch went longer than expected and we pulled up to the curb about 15 mins before my flight (this was '88 so security was a little different).

Told the baggage guy what was up and he grabbed my duffel and said just go, I promise it will get there. I took off and hit the security line. Someone saw me coming at a run and said loudly, "everyone please step aside for this young man". Went through security, buzzers going off from my uniform and the agent just waved me through. Jumped on the tram to the terminal came up at a full run and when I saw my gate I pointed at it from about 100 yds away. The agent picked up the phone and said something and I saw that the plane had been disconnected from the bridge.

They reconnected the bridge and re-opened the door and when I boarded I could see a lot of angry faces, most of which turned to smiles and the flight attendant handed me a bottle of water as I sat down.

My duffel was there when I arrived in Roanoke. That was a lot of people being good souls that day. I always keep that in mind when I travel and try to repay that whenever possible.