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40 Years in 40 Days: Class of 1990

kendsley
Employee
Employee

During the dog days of Summer 1990, and after 5 separate interviews, I received the great news that I was hired by Southwest Airlines!  I began my rookie years with the Company in the Finance Department.  I made many great friends and gained valuable experience by providing Positively Outrageous Customer Service to both internal and external Customers.  This was also the proud moment I received my reputable Southwest call sign:  KevDog by which I am still called today by fellow Employees, Family & Friends.

Kevin with Herb
KevDog with Herb Kelleher

From there, I was given the opportunity to work in the Operations world with Flight Ops Crew Scheduling.  There I gained valuable experience and a huge respect working together with our awesome Flight Operations, Inflight and Ground Operations departments I believe to be the BEST in the airline industry!  You will be amazed at what all takes place daily behind the scenes from the time the passenger boards the flight, to safely arriving at their destination. 

I then moved to the People Department to work for our Southwest Employees.  For 9 great years I gained more valuable experience and encouragement to improve processes & procedures while remaining cost effective.  It was there that I chose to explore the path of Automation.  I was excited for the opportunity to learn and use tools such as the SWALife intranet site to assist our Employees.  

I continued on this new path moving to Provisioning automation and gaining more experience with web authoring and special projects that involved using automation.  I currently work with Maintenance & Engineering as a Communication Specialist and I am very excited for the many opportunities I have been given to grow.  I also have a huge respect for each of these men & women who work hard to ensure our safety and I believe to be the BEST in the airline industry! 

I’m very excited about Southwest Airlines and AirTran coming together as one Company, one Airline and one Family preparing for the changes and challenges to come.  The Warrior Spirit is in each of us at Southwest Airlines.  There is much hard work to be done, but the sky is the limit to the positive outcomes we all will share by working & growing together.  

Plane Proposal
An Airplane Wedding Proposal!

My favorite work moments at Southwest Airlines:  Standing with my coworkers along the runway fence to wave and cheer on that first flight after the 9/11 attacks, community & volunteer work with Ronald Mcdonald house & North Texas Food Bank, receiving the Finance Department Employee of the Quarter, People Department Employee of the Quarter & People Department President’s award, and Provisioning Department Employee of the Quarter.

My personal favorites:  Reading a poem and proposing to my wife over the intercom on a Southwest flight to San Antonio, and becoming a Daddy to 3 beautiful children while at Southwest. I am very thankful for my many great mentors and great friends here at Southwest.  

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