Midwestern Hospitality: The Abandoned Cars Lingering at a Missouri Airport

As a Missouri native, the author has firsthand experience with the Midwestern personality traits that have become the subject of countless memes. From the long goodbyes to the considerate "opes" when squeezing past someone, these quirks are a genuine reflection of the region's culture. However, the author's local airport has taken this Midwestern kindness to a whole new level, as evidenced by the abandoned cars that have been left there for years, with the airport seemingly in no rush to tow them away.

Uncovering the Abandoned Cars at Springfield-Branson National Airport

### The Unclaimed VehiclesThe Springfield-Branson National Airport has become a haven for abandoned vehicles, with roughly 25 cars making the airport their long-term home. Some of these cars have been parked there for as long as three to four years, a timeline that the author deems highly unusual, especially considering the airport's relatively low-traffic status.### The Airport's ApproachAccording to Kent Boyd, a representative from the airport, the staff has been aware of these abandoned cars for some time. They have even gone so far as to trace the ownership of the vehicles, only to find that the registered owners are in no hurry to retrieve them. In one particular case, the airport discovered that the registered owner had passed away, and they contacted the estate, but the car still remains unclaimed.### The Midwestern MindsetThe author's commentary on the airport's approach highlights the quintessential Midwestern kindness and patience. Rather than immediately towing the cars, the airport seems content to let the situation play out, with Boyd stating that they don't want to act too hastily, as they know "sure as heck as soon as you do that, somebody will show up looking for it."### The Contrast with Other RegionsThe author contrasts this Midwestern approach with how the situation might be handled in a larger city, such as Reno, where the cars would have likely been towed long ago. In the Midwest, however, the airport is willing to go the extra mile to accommodate the owners, even if it means letting the cars sit for years on end.### The ImplicationsWhile the airport's approach may seem unusual to those unfamiliar with Midwestern culture, it speaks to the region's deeply ingrained values of kindness, patience, and consideration for others. The author's lighthearted tone and personal anecdotes help to illustrate this unique aspect of Midwestern identity, which is often overlooked or misunderstood by those outside the region.### The Future of the Abandoned CarsDespite the airport's reluctance to act hastily, the author notes that at some point, they will have to tow the abandoned cars. However, the timeline for this remains unclear, as the airport wants to ensure that they don't remove the vehicles before the rightful owners have a chance to claim them.In conclusion, the abandoned cars at the Springfield-Branson National Airport serve as a testament to the Midwestern spirit, where kindness and consideration take precedence over efficiency and expediency. This unique cultural perspective offers a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced, impersonal nature of modern life, and the author's exploration of this phenomenon provides a fascinating glimpse into the heart of the Midwest.