Reddit mentions of The Big Truck That Went By: How the World Came to Save Haiti and Left Behind a Disaster

Was your humanitarian cruise in Haiti by chance? I'm reading the book The Big Truck that went by and he talks a bit about the US 'occupation' humanitarian mission post earthquake and how soldiers where not told when they would be done with the humanitarian mission. He cites letters to families that show their doubt in the mission itself.

Good book so far. Highly recommended. I'd say getting into aid is a lot like getting into the military. You have all these idealistic thoughts about serving for a greater good... and then you realize the entire industry is totally whacked. I think it's changing though. Slowly but surely.

I understand getting special treatment. I know you can only get into the USOs in airports if you're in uniform. Those are like Delta Sky Clubs. I'm a member of the Sky Clubs and they honestly make air travel way more tolerable. You're treated like a king! Free drinks free food. Not too bad. And the way I see it, I never have to pay for a drink in an airport (granted, I paid upfront for those drinks) but I will drink wayyy more drinks than the member fee.

Plus the networking that goes on in those places is great. I'd imagine the USOs would be similar. A good place to relax sit down and meet other members of the military who may totally agree with you.

TL;DR. Read The Big Truck that went by. Uniformed military may just be like me and trying to get perks of USOs/Delta Sky Club to relax a bit.