Viral Video Raises $135,000 for Veteran Airport Fueler James Blair After 6 Million TikTok Views
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 5
Viral Video Raises $135,000 for Veteran Airport Fueler James Blair After 6 Million TikTok Views
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 5
Summary
More than $135,000 has been donated to James Blair after a TikTok video showed the John Wayne Airport fueler struggling to walk while working through severe knee pain.
Nearly 6 million views drove the fundraising surge after passenger Lacinda Thackeray filmed Blair on the California tarmac, saying she wanted to help him retire.
Blair, a U.S. Navy veteran who spent a decade as an aircraft mechanic and 20 years on the job, said years of physical labor damaged his knees.
The money is meant to cover medical bills and living costs as Blair also helps care for his 90-year-old mother in hospice; the fundraiser is now above its $135,000 mark toward a $200,000 goal.
Online support widened beyond donations, with coworkers and strangers praising Blair's work ethic and military service and saying veterans deserve better support.