A good reason to buy a ticket up front, so <b>you</b> can just grab and go. Military are mostly unassuming, and don't want attention or praise. Marines are plain clothes, so as to blend in, as compared to other branches.
If you need to go that quick, they wouldn't stop you, or do a throat punch, if you move past them. **==

And p.s., Since this is the holiday season, there is a very good chance that some are returning from training, deployment, and so forth.

I mostly fly on Alaska Airlines, where the military is given early boarding, and an announced thank you for their service, but also know that even stateside, many cannot afford to get home, to spend the holiday with loved ones.

My active duty son has been away from home for almost 18 mos., but thankfully, he is safe, and able to communicate with us frequently.