For many of us, flying usually means the start of an exciting vacation or visiting loved ones. But for Sheila Frederick, a seasoned 49-year-old flight attendant with Alaska Airlines, a routine flight from Seattle to San Francisco turned into a life-altering event.

During the flight, Sheila’s attention was drawn to a young blonde girl dressed in shabby clothes, sitting next to an older man who appeared quite well-dressed. The stark contrast between the two and the girl’s look alarmed Sheila. “I had a strange feeling about her,” Sheila recalls. “Her clothing was in such stark contrast to the man’s attire; it was the first clue something was off.”

Feeling something wasn’t right, Sheila decided to approach them. While the man reacted defensively, the girl remained silent and didn’t say a word. Sheila, thinking on her feet, came up with a plan. She discreetly left a note in the airplane restroom hoping the girl would see it.

After a while, the girl used the restroom and found the note which read, “I need help.”

Upon seeing the girl’s desperate message, Sheila acted quickly and notified the authorities. As soon as the plane landed, the police were ready and waiting. They arrested the man and found out that the girl was just 14 years old. She had been kidnapped two months earlier and was a victim of human trafficking.

This heart-wrenching incident underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness. One of the key figures in pushing for this awareness is retired flight attendant Nancy Rivard. She founded Airline Ambassadors International, an organization that trains flight attendants to spot the signs of human trafficking. Inspired by her experience, Sheila has also undergone further training to help identify and rescue more victims like that brave young girl in the future.

So, next time you’re on a flight, remember people like Sheila are not just serving meals and drinks but also keeping a vigilant eye out to ensure everyone’s safety. Their dedication can truly make a world of difference.