Mile Nerd

I’m aware that, for whatever reason, many of you love when I go on a rant. But what’s the reason? What is it about miles and points people that gets me so fired up?

Well, a big part of it is this…

The majority of the people involved in this hobby are takers. I work in two shady industries and neither compares to the mile/point world. The sharks-disguised-as-dorks (bloggers) are truly only in this game to get money from readers. And a huge chunk of readers are just as ruthlessly self-involved. They’re like babies who need to get fed every day, but disappear when you actually need anything from them.

None of that is a big secret. And it’s way too common to be disappointing. It just is what it is.

So what made me stay here? Why didn’t I sell this thing and move on?

It’s because some of you out there are big exceptions. To be more accurate, some of you are exceptional. I’ve gotten to know you and still can’t believe the generosity and kindness I’ve witnessed. The ones who kept me going here were the people I really got to know…people like my friend Cliff. Man, I’ve seen it so many times – those who open their hearts and make room for the happiness of others…well, those are the people I see doing well in their own lives.

So, when someone like that asks to post here, it’s an easy yes. This is from my friend Cliff:

Every April, a small town busily prepares for one of the most patriotic events in Texas.  Some say it’s the best-kept secret in the country. On Wednesday, the city of Gainesville will welcome 18 of our nation’s living treasures – all of whom earned the Medal of Honor (the highest military decoration for valor). For 15 years, the Medal Honor Host City Program has invited these recipients to educate our community and schools about the fundamentals of patriotism. 

So what does it have to do with miles and points? Well, American Airlines is our Flagship sponsor. The AA veterans’ community outreach program facilitated the donation of millions of miles to our program and many other meaningful charities. American really set the bar here, even granting Executive Platinum and Concierge Key status to each of the remarkable recipients. In our miles and points world, we all might be lamenting devaluations and the stinginess of saver space…but there are a few other important things in life. 

People ask me all the time why I got involved in a military charity. Is it because you served in the military? Did you have family that served? My answer is, “I volunteer because I DID NOT serve and neither did any of my family. So this is my way of giving back to my country and community.”  I challenge all of you reading this to get out and get involved in your community. You’re already gaming the system, right? So take it to the next level and make an impact. Why not add a little value to our ever-devaluating world?  

I’ll be live tweeting Wednesday from DFW during the arrival of the Medal of Honor Recipients and also while riding in the motorcade back to Gainesville, Texas. You can follow me @mpperryplatypus and for more information about our program and a schedule of this week’s events, click here or here. Thank you.