Are you going to Homecoming? Book your limousine today!
Call 520-271-4196 or schedule online at: www.wrightexecutivelimousines.com
Call 520-271-4196 or schedule online at: www.wrightexecutivelimousines.com
 As I enjoy the cooler weather of "fall" in Tucson, Arizona, I have to comment on how nice it is to be taking a group on a wine tasting tour of Sonoita/Elgin.. While I obviously do not sample the wines while driving people from vineyard to vineyard, I have tasted almost all of them at one time or another and each winery has their own unique niche or touch. It is almost impossible to visit every one of them in one day and truly get a taste and feel of what each has to offer, but that lends to return trips and another enjoyable day in the high desert of Arizona. Today, it was sunny, but not hot, with a few clouds building on the horizon, My group is happy, comfortable and content, and can enjoy some of the wine and cheese they purchased along the way home. Life is good.
 September 11, 2001, started out a normal day. I was getting ready to go fly with the Wing Commander. I stepped out of the mission planning vault and everyone was gathered around the Ops desk watching the TV. One of the towers was on fire and we were listening to the reporter babble on about an airplane navigation error. Right at that moment, another airplane banked hard and slammed into the other tower. I remember the reactions of everyone in the room. The Wing Commander looked at me and simply said "We're not flying today". The base was locked down and the next thing I remember was sitting in a fully armed jet with the engines running, ready to "intercept" anything that flew. The skies were completely devoid of any air traffic. it was eerie to say the least. It was a time that shook the nation and changed the world. Looking back, that day changed my life forever. I will NEVER forget.
 Pokemon Go has become extremely popular. I have seen people playing while walking around Tucson, in Airports, as well as hiking trails through the mountains of West Virginia. Pokemon are everywhere!
It has become so popular that AZDOT has felt the need to have to remind people not to hunt Pokemon and drive at the same time. That's a pretty smart idea, but people don't want to miss that legendary during their commute. I have a solution...Pokemon Limo! All self-respecting Pokemon Master Trainers should hunt in comfort and style! Imagine traveling to Pokestops and Pokegyms in the back of a limousine where you are free to search for wild Pokemon safely while relaxing with a cold drink and a movie (Mewtwo Returns?). Our chauffeurs will drive you, and your team, around town while you search for those elusive critters in luxury! Give us a call.  As the summer heats up, I would like to point out that all of our cars have independent A/C systems in the back and ice wells for keeping drinks cool. We also provide complimentary bottles of water on every trip. Travel in luxury and comfort with Wright Executive Limousines! :)
 I recently returned from a wonderful trip to Hawaii. It was truly a relaxing vacation in paradise, but something happened along the way that made me think...
While at the Los Angeles airport, a man approached me and apologized for bothering me, but had a favor to ask. He was traveling from Canada and lost his wallet. He had locked his passport in the hotel safe, but lost all his other ID, cash, and credit cards. He had his boarding pass, but couldn't check his luggage because of the $25 per bag fee. He asked if I could help him out and that he would gladly repay me when he got home. He honestly looked frazzled. I went to the desk with him and asked if they could waive the fee for him considering the circumstances, but they said that they could not. I asked if they could charge the card that he bought the tickets with, but they said that they did not have access to that information. The man was clearly stressed and looked like he was about to cry. What would you do in this situation? I have traveled the world, and unfortunately have been in a very similar scenario. I was in a foreign country and had my wallet stolen. Fortunately for me, I was traveling with travelers checks and was able to replace them, but I could sympathize with this man. I paid the fee for his bag and wished him safe travels. The ticket agents all thanked me and told me that the good deed would come back to me. While you could see the relief and gratitude, you could still tell he was stressed. He thanked me, gave me his phone number, and went to his gate. While on my flight, I had 5 hours to think about the situation. It bothered me that the airline would not waive the fee (A fee that is ridiculous in my opinion at that). I was irritated that the airline personnel would allow me to pay for another customer, whom I had never met, and praise me for doing so, but wouldn't (couldn't) do anything to help him out (He did have a valid ticket after all). I tried looking at it from the viewpoint of the airline employees and the airline policies, and even played devils advocate in that some people will always try to scam the system. I even questioned if I had been scammed. Ultimately, I feel that I am a decent judge of people and while skeptical, like to believe in the general good in people. I had nothing to gain from helping him and quite honestly, never expected that I would see the money returned, but understanding his dilemma, I was glad I helped him out. I think that as a society, we often become overly skeptical and protective and lose touch with humanity. How do you think the man felt, having to ask a total stranger for help? What would you do If you were in his situation? What if you were in mine? I encourage and look forward to your responses. Thank you for reading and helping clarify my introspection. :)  Please take a moment this weekend to pay homage to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice serving their country, Memorial day is to honor the heroes - the men and women buried in Arlington, laid to rest in hometowns across our country, and the ones who never came home. They are our friends and brothers and sisters in arms who gave their last full measure of devotion for our nation. Whether we knew them or not, we feel the weight of their loss. They are missed. I hope that if you stop by a cemetery to pay respect and maybe place a flag, that you see coins on the headstones of the fallen and possibly add one yourself. If you have every wondered about this tradition, I have elaborated below:
Leaving coins on the headstones of those who served in the Military, especially those who died in combat, dates back at least as far as the Roman Empire. The practice became especially popular in the United States during the Vietnam War because of the political climate throughout the 1960's and 1970's. Friends of those who died in combat left coins to let family members know that someone had visited the grave site. Leaving a coin on the headstone was more practical than contacting the family and risk becoming involved in a discussion about the war. Today it has become a way to pay respectful, silent homage to a comrade in arms. Generally speaking, a visitor who did not know the deceased well enough to be considered a friend might leave a penny. Someone who went through boot camp or training with the deceased might leave a nickel. A friend who served in another platoon within the same company might leave a dime. A buddy who served in the same unit, or was with the deceased when he died, might leave a quarter, or more symbolic, a challenge coin. Some Veterans leave coins as a "down-payment" to purchase a beer (or shot of Jeremiah Weed), or play a hand of poker when they are eventually re-united with the deceased buddy. Today, the denomination of the coin left on the headstone has become less significant because so few people carry coins other than quarters. The coins left on headstones within National Cemeteries and State Veterans Cemeteries are collected by cemetery staff from time to time and are used to maintain the grounds. Some cemeteries use the coins to help pay for the burial costs of indigent Veterans. I hope each and every one of you that reads this has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and that, if even for a moment, you recognize the sacrifice of those who died. Thank you. Bill "They are dead; but they live in each Patriot’s breast, And their names are engraven on honor’s bright crest" —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Battle of Lovell’s Pond #memorialday #rememberthefallen I saw a meme today that said "treat everyone with respect, whether they are the CEO or the Janitor". I am reminded of a story a good friend of mine recently told me. He owns a few businesses and was working the front at one of his restaurants near the University. A student came in, ordered, then asked him if he liked working there. He simply replied that he did. The student then began to lecture him that if he applied himself and went to college, it would open up so many more opportunities and that he could do much better.. My friend just listened to the student and thanked him for coming in. Just because he was running the cash register, an assumption was made without truly knowing anything about him. While we had a good laugh about the incident, it goes to show that you should never judge a book by its cover. My kids always comment on how I say hello to everyone and will talk to anyone. I love hearing people's stories and things that they've experienced. I have met presidents, stars, astronauts, and executives, as well as many other people from all walks of life. Everyone I meet has a different story and has walked a unique path in life. No two stories will ever be the same, yet it never ceases to amaze me how paths cross and lives interweave in so many ways. This is why I started Wright Executive Limousines - Everyone is treated as royalty. No matter what you do, or what the occasion, you will be given the best service possible and with the attention to details that make it personal and unique. In doing so, I get to know a little bit about each and every person.   Congratulations to all the 2016 Graduates!! Never stop learning whether it be academic or through life experiences! Best of luck in your next adventure.
This year, we were fortunate to participate in almost every Prom in Southern Arizona, U of A Graduations, High School Graduations, and 8th grade promotions! Thank you to all our customers for letting us be a part of your celebration and letting us help make the moment even more memorable. |
AuthorWilliam Lake-Wright is Co-Owner of Wright Business Investments, LLC and the Chief Operations Officer of Wright Executive Limousines. William is a former military pilot and a combat veteran. He is actively involved in the community as a Scoutmaster and Lead Advisor for the Boy Scouts of America. He is also a member of the Marana Chamber of Commerce, Local First Arizona, and Arizona Limousine Association. Archives
May 2020
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