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Flight Attendant with a Big Southwest Heart Recognizes Vets

CO4thGen
Explorer B

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Recently while my husband Joe and I waited to board our Southwest flight in Reno to head home to Denver, a Flight Attendant inquired about Joe's camera bag which is covered with stickers from all the places he's visited. Tucked in one corner was a small one he bought in Washington D.C. that reads "Viet Nam Vet." She asked quietly if he served and when he said yes, she smiled broadly and said, "Thanks for your service. I have a present for you!"

 

She reached into her carry-on and pulled out a small pillow. As she handed it to him, she proudly shared that she makes the pillows in her spare time and gives one to every veteran she meets on her flights. Made of patriotic-themed cloth, the pillow contained a patch on the back which read "Home of the Free Because of the Brave!"

 

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Joe then turned to me and mentioned it was too bad his Dad wasn't with us. When the Flight Attendant heard my father-in-law served in WWII (as an Army Sargent stationed in the Philippines) she insisted that we take a pillow to him, too! Apparently she carries a WWII version with her when she flies the Freedom Honor Flights--taking vets from her home airport in Phoenix to the WWII Monument in D.C. She was sad she didn't have any with her. Nonetheless, my Dad was thrilled with his!

 

Time and time again, Southwest Airlines proves again it os a company with heart! Thanks, Laurie Liss, PHX flight attendant .. You made two ol' vets very happy!

 

 

 

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Laurie was featured last November in Southwest's Employee Magazine, LUVLines, as a "Hospitality Hero." Check out the attached PDF to learn more about her efforts!

4 Comments
CindyS
Explorer C

As the proud mom to two Army soldiers, this story warms my heart.  Thank you to Laurie and Southwest for honoring our service men and women.

HoustonGeek
Explorer C

On Flight WN5559 from DAL to AMA on 8/28, two USMC veterans were on the flight and preboarded.  It was a lengthy preboard, but those of us waiting seemed to weather it well.  

 

The flight attendant annouced their position and service, and the entire plane clapped as a thank you. 

 

Thank you all for helping us travellers help celebrate our veterans!!!!

warrenwn
Explorer C

I would like to thank Laurie Liss from my heart for the pillow she gave this viet nam vet. She came up to me in the Love Field terminal and gave me a pillow. I think of her very often when I look at the pillow. It has been over 2 years now and I still get tears in my eyes when I think of her kindness I will never forget you.       Thank you from warren n.

mjmZoptom
Explorer C

A big hug for Lauie and all the personnel who honor us.  Several months ago, on a flight with my son to tour UC San Diego ,  I was wearing my Vietnam veteran hat.  Suddenly, an attendent announced on the PA that I was on the flight, and to my surprise, applause ensued. It is rare indeed to be recognized for our service to America 40 years past.  Thank you.  I means a lot to know someone cares about veterans.