A TikTok video from a California airport has sparked a wave of support for a worker who said years of physical labor left him in chronic pain.
The footage, recorded at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, shows airport worker and military veteran James Blair struggling to walk across the tarmac while doing his job. The video has been viewed nearly 6 million times on TikTok and helped inspire strangers to donate more than $135,000 for his medical expenses and daily living costs.
Passenger Lacinda Thackeray said she filmed Blair after noticing he appeared to be in significant pain while working.
“Watching him work so hard , he could barely move , truly broke my heart,” Thackeray said. “I know there has to be a way we can help him retire.”
Blair was later identified as a U.S. Navy veteran who spent a decade working as an aircraft mechanic before starting a career refueling planes.
Blair told CBS News that years of physically demanding work had taken a toll on his body, especially his knees. He said he kept working despite the chronic pain while also helping care for his 90-year-old mother, who is receiving hospice care.
After the video spread online, viewers began sending money to help with Blair’s medical expenses and other needs. The fundraiser has passed $135,000 toward a goal of $200,000.
“When I first saw the video and the money started going up, I started laughing,” Blair told CBS News. “I’ve been doing this job for 20 years, and I just didn’t think anybody actually cared.”
Blair said the donations have changed his life and will ease some of the financial pressure tied to his medical issues.
The video’s comments section filled with messages from strangers and people who said they knew him. Several described Blair as a hardworking employee who had spent years putting others before himself.
“That’s my coworker James,” one user wrote. “I have been working alongside him for five years now and talking to him is the best part of my shift.”
Others pointed to Blair’s military service and long work history at the airport.
“Our vets deserve so much better,” one user wrote.
Another commenter wrote, “This is how we honor our veterans.”
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