Flying is usually a joyful experience, filled with anticipation and excitement. Whether it’s a long-awaited getaway or a visit to a loved one, the journey itself is often the best part. But for Sheila Frederick, a flight attendant, a routine flight from Seattle to San Francisco took a dark twist that would change her life forever.
A Fateful Encounter
As Sheila went about her duties onboard, something caught her attention. An old man sat next to a young blonde girl dressed in tattered clothes. When their eyes met, Sheila sensed a deep urgency in the girl’s stare. It was clear that something was wrong. Determined to help, Sheila approached the man to dig deeper.
Uncovering a Troubling Mystery
The man’s guarded and agitated responses only intensified Sheila’s suspicions. She knew she had to do something. Thinking quickly, she discreetly left a pen and paper in the restroom, hoping the young girl would find it if she needed assistance. Sheila motioned for the girl to use the restroom and anxiously awaited her return.
A Note That Changed Everything
As Sheila retrieved the paper, her heart raced in anticipation. What she found on that note left her shaken to the core. It simply said, “I need help.” Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sheila wasted no time and immediately called the police. By the time the plane landed, law enforcement had already prepared an arrest warrant for the individual involved.
An Uncovering of Truth
It was later revealed that the young girl, only 14 years old, was a victim of human trafficking. She had endured unimaginable horrors after being kidnapped two months prior. Thanks to Sheila’s courageous actions, the girl was rescued, and the trafficker was apprehended, facing the consequences of their heinous crimes.
The Power of Awareness and Action
Sheila’s heroic act is not an isolated incident. Organizations like Airline Ambassadors International actively train flight attendants to recognize signs of human trafficking. Together with the United States Customs and Border Protection, they fight relentlessly against this abhorrent crime. Inspired by her experience, Sheila joined Airline Ambassadors in 2011 to enhance her ability to identify similar situations in the future.
“There are many signs to be aware of,” Sheila stresses, highlighting the importance of vigilance and awareness.
Shedding Light on a Disturbing Reality
According to the United Nations (UN), an alarming 1.2 million young people fall victim to human trafficking each year. Both boys and girls are targeted, sometimes forced into military service and other unspeakable acts. These heartbreaking tragedies demand our attention and intervention.
