### Marine’s T-shirt Sparks Controversy with Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines is under fire after a Marine veteran was forced to remove a T-shirt bearing a message intended to raise awareness about veteran suicide. The airline's actions have been widely criticized, especially by Korey Shaffer, the founder of the Til Valhalla Project, who called the incident "appalling."

Catherine Banks, a 22-year veteran of the Marines, was wearing a T-shirt from the Til Valhalla Project when she boarded a Delta flight at San Francisco International Airport. The shirt, which read "Do Not Give In To The War Within. End Veteran Suicide," was part of a campaign highlighting the issue of veteran suicide, with an estimated 22 veterans dying by suicide daily. Despite the shirt’s important message, a male flight attendant deemed it "threatening" and insisted Banks remove it or face removal from the flight.

Shaffer, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, came to Banks' defense by offering to cover her airfare and inviting her to Florida to see his organization in action. "To hear someone was mistreated for wearing our gear that helps pay for the memorials delivered to families of fallen heroes and therapy for veterans is appalling," he wrote on Facebook. "Miss Banks, THANK YOU for not only your service but for your support in our mission. You deserved better!"

During the confrontation, Banks endeavored to explain her military background and the importance of the message on her T-shirt. However, the flight attendant reportedly dismissed her explanation, saying, "I don't care about your service." Reluctantly, Banks donned a sweatshirt to cover the tee, but she was still moved to a seat at the back of the plane and had to give up her premium seat to another passenger.

"I feel like they just took my soul away. I'm not a bad person, and that T-shirt, I should be allowed to support myself and veterans," Banks expressed, describing the incident as humiliating.

Delta Airlines did not address Shaffer’s specific remarks but previously stated that the incident had been resolved. "We appreciate her patience as we continue to work to understand what occurred during this event. Most importantly, we are thankful for her service to our country," a Delta spokesperson said. According to the airline’s policy, they reserve the right to refuse transport if a passenger’s "conduct, attire, hygiene or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers."