This is a different J6 story. Actually, J6 was barely even the start of it. It’s more about what happened after.
For those of you who do not know me I am a flight attendant, a proud daughter, a loyal friend, a previous paramedic, and once upon a time…I was myself.
On January 6th, 2021 even though I was a peaceful and lawful protester I was doxxed and deemed a domestic terrorist before the day was even over.
January 7th I was told, “Let me know when you get through airport security. They’re after you. They’re trying to get you on the no fly list so can’t leave the city.”
January 8th I gained knowledge that an online petition with was created making numerous false claims in an attempt to portray me in a negative light to get me terminated and prosecuted “for my treason.” I was merely just there.
Treason in some instances can be punishable by death. This is about so much more than January 6th.
By January 10th I feared for my safety to the point that I fled my home and flew to stay with a friend. I didn’t tell my family that I was only two hours away because I feared for their safety and upsetting them.
This is not just about January 6th.
February 2nd I received a knock on my door from the FBI. They questioned me and cleared me of wrong doing within minutes. Unfortunately I was still interrogated afterwards.
But not from the FBI. Since fellow flight attendants were the ones falsely accusing me, I did what I thought was best and went to my employer for help.
Instead I was treated like a criminal.
It was my employer who interrogated me for ~ fifteen intermittent hours. It was so severe that a map of the Capitol and a marker was placed in front of me while the meeting door was open. Nearby cubicles were well within earshot. I couldn’t think, speak or articulate and I had to look for a nearby waste bin because I thought I was going to vomit.
This isn’t just about January 6th.
Returning to flying while feeling like I had a target on my back was difficult. Even though I was told that the workplace environment was fine, on my first day back my chair was kicked by a flight attendant in front of others repeatedly and each time more aggressively, until she stumbled.
I felt discouraged to make additional complaints so I didn’t report the incident. I just wanted to fly.
This isn’t just about January 6th.
Ongoing issues made traveling feel more and more unsafe. Flying with a mask made it even worse. I was increasingly anxious, lightheaded, dizzy, nauseated, foggy headed and eventually I fell.
This isn’t just about January 6th.
Without having time to catch my breath the vaccine was mandated, which put my beliefs to the test. Work trips were taken off my schedule before the mandate deadline which forced me to spend Christmas outcasted and crying in a hotel room.
Early 2022 my exemption was approved. I hoped life would begin to get back to normal however I was informed that I received a complaint because my mask was lowered. Although it was known that I was having medical difficulties, I was reprimanded anyway.
This isn’t just about January 6th.
After receiving that news I hyperventilated upon landing. I became so fearful of being harassed and photographed again if I lowered my mask to breathe so I went into the airplane bathroom. I immediately vomited. When I came out I heard the sound of a picture clicking and immediately I had to go back in and vomit again.
I don’t remember deplaning. The jet bridge is a blur. I remember seeing an airport exit sign, racing to the airport parking garage and stripping out of my uniform. I just wanted it off me.
This isn’t just about January 6th.
I was diagnosed with PTSD and didn’t work as a flight attendant for a year. I worked in a restaurant but the anxiety attacks didn’t quit. So eventually I did.
I relocated and now drive two hours to go to work and to see my doctors. I lost many friends, relationships suffered and my health and overall well being declined.
When I asked what I should I do if I work with them I was just told, “that’s not very likely.” Was my safety and well being a concern? Now every trip I show up wondering who wants to help me or who wants to hurt me.
Everyday I can see that I am far from being myself and the job that I love is far from being what I used to know. I hope to change that.
My airline’s leadership promotes encouraging a “speak out culture” and I believe that must start with speaking out for myself. I hope others follow.
I’ll let the lawsuit speak for itself. I hope that you read it.
No one could have predicted what happened on January 6th. I would have never predicted this kind of treatment or damage, especially when I made numerous attempts for resolutions and I didn’t do anything wrong.
But since then I have learned a lot about asking for help and that’s why I’m making this fundraiser. Others have volunteered to do it on my behalf but since this battle is a unique one, I just feel that it’s best coming from me.
I also don’t want to risk anyone being attacked for trying to help me. Sadly, this tactic has been used. I’m also limited on how much I can fly because of my RA.
But I know God has separated me for a reason. I also know that he’s given me angels. Knowing that and seeing the little signs gives me strength.
So I can assure you that there won’t be a dollar, prayer or second spent supporting my story that will be overlooked. That’s why your support is so important.
It’s been a long road and I still have a long way to go. But for now I just want to say thank you.
So thank you. Please read the lawsuit attached. I will update here as I can.
Fly safe and god bless.
-Alaina
CASE: 2:23-cv-00645-JES-KCD Trocano v. Vivaldi et al
