After 54 years working for American Airlines, Freddy Schmitt says he just wants the same thing the US Army gave him six decades ago — an honorable discharge.
Instead, the 82-year-old WWII vet was handed his walking papers after allegedly using a derogatory term for gays during a workplace bull session about “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.”
The fact that Schmitt was defending gay soldiers’ right to serve — “Back then, a faggot coulda saved my life” — hasn’t changed the airline’s decision. Neither has his blemish-free employment record, nor the pleas of former JFK co-workers upset over the axing of their buddy known as “Papa Freddy.”
Schmitt had little to say about the remark in December that got him fired last month as a ground-crew worker following a suspension and two hearings. He just wishes he could have stayed on the job until November, when he was planning to retire with a milestone under his belt.
“It would look nice, going out with 55 years,” Schmitt said. “After 54 years, all I want is to go out in good faith.”
Schmitt is appealing the termination through arbitration, but the process can take months, according to union officials.
Nobody disputes that Schmitt — a baggage crew chief — used the term, or that the pugnacious Brooklyn native didn’t exactly grovel with remorse when reprimanded by a supervisor. But the context should be taken into account, say Schmitt’s former airline crewmates.
“This guy is like everybody’s father here,” said co-worker Jack Sullivan, who said it hurts to see his colleague of 26 years tossed out.
Under the terms of the firing, Schmitt retains his pension but loses his health benefits — and the travel privileges his wife of 45 years, Viola, so enjoyed.