The date was November 12. Imagine entering the PHX Maintenance Hangar and, instead of a plane, you were greeted by columns and bunches of balloons, chairs set up theater-style, and a stage positioned close to the bay hangar doors. Picture multiple flags, banners, and signs anxiously displayed for a group of special guests. Imagine the cheers, chants, and tears for the return of 50 Veterans, who are being honored in the only way we know how—with LUV! This was one way we acknowledged Veterans Day in Arizona.
The 50 Veterans are part of a group called Operation Freedom Bird, a non-profit organization founded 24 years ago by Vietnam Veteran Patrick (Pat) Lynch. Each year the program provides a healing journey to Washington D.C. to celebrate Veterans Day for the retired military heroes. The group consists primarily of Vietnam Veterans, but with the success of the organization, the past two years have included a number of Veterans from the current wars. Operation Freedom Bird raises funds to cover ground transportation, food, and hotels for the trip, and air fare is sponsored by Southwest Airlines, so the Veterans themselves do not have to spend a dime. For 13 years Southwest has provided 50 roundtrip tickets for the Veterans. During the three-day journey, the group visited—among other places—The Wall to honor their fellow comrades who gave their lives during the Vietnam War. The group is carefully selected by the Arizona Veterans Center, which has partnered with the non-profit organization since its inception.
The 50 Veterans are part of a group called Operation Freedom Bird, a non-profit organization founded 24 years ago by Vietnam Veteran Patrick (Pat) Lynch. Each year the program provides a healing journey to Washington D.C. to celebrate Veterans Day for the retired military heroes. The group consists primarily of Vietnam Veterans, but with the success of the organization, the past two years have included a number of Veterans from the current wars. Operation Freedom Bird raises funds to cover ground transportation, food, and hotels for the trip, and air fare is sponsored by Southwest Airlines, so the Veterans themselves do not have to spend a dime. For 13 years Southwest has provided 50 roundtrip tickets for the Veterans. During the three-day journey, the group visited—among other places—The Wall to honor their fellow comrades who gave their lives during the Vietnam War. The group is carefully selected by the Arizona Veterans Center, which has partnered with the non-profit organization since its inception.
In additon to the sponsorship of the trip, Southwest Airlines provides these military heroes a Welcome Home Celebration—something they never received when returning from Vietnam. Once they arrive back home in PHX, the group boards complimentary buses provided by Veolia Transportation, and they are then taken to the PHX Maintenance Hangar where bays are transformed with a patriotic red, white, and blue theme. In this specially-created place, the group is met by their families, friends, previous recipients of the trip, and, of course, our very own Employees.
Saluting the presentation of the colors
The program begins with the presentation of colors by Luke Air Force Base Honor Guard, and the Star Spangled Banner is played by renowned trumpet player, Jesse McQuire. Our very own Scott Wirt has sung patriotic songs to the crowd for the past several years, and this year, the special guest was Paige, a 13-year-old high school student. Paige was the winner of the PHX Suns/Southwest Airlines Art Contest. Through tears of compassion, she read her essay on what Freedom means to her to the returning Veterans and crowd. Paige received a standing ovation from everyone who had gathered, as well as her proud family, who also looked on. Refreshments and cake were served after the presentations to help celebrate the welcome home.
Over 400 people attended the event, and it takes real Southwest Team work to make this Welcome Home Celebration happen. Numerous volunteers sign up through Share the Spirit to assist with the departure and return. On behalf of Community Affairs & Grassroots, we’d like to extend a special thank you to everyone who helped make each Veteran feel special. Many thanks also to the local departments who helped make it all happen namely, PHX Customer Support & Services, Ground Operations, Maintenance, and Provisioning. Acknowledgements also go to Ground Operations at BWI, who helped to welcome the group when they arrived in Washington D.C. and assisted with their return.
We are grateful to Marketing for providing copies of Paige’s picture and essay, which were given to each of the 50 Veterans. And, of course, a big thank you goes to Charitable Giving for helping to make the trip possible and for suporting this program for the past ten years.
We are grateful to Marketing for providing copies of Paige’s picture and essay, which were given to each of the 50 Veterans. And, of course, a big thank you goes to Charitable Giving for helping to make the trip possible and for suporting this program for the past ten years.
Jackie Thompson with New Hire Jerry Gibbens
As the wife of a 20-year Veteran, this program has special meaning to me. I am honored to work for a Company that allows us to make a difference in the lives of the men and women who have served with honor, but who may have never received the recognition they deserve. Along with my Fellow Employees, I look forward to greeting the next group of Veterans and many more in the years to come. Our Veterans Day is made extra special because of the heroes from Operation Freedom Bird that we Welcome Home each year.
For more information on Operation Freedom Bird, please visit http://www.operationfreedombird.org/.