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Southwest Airlines Community

Honoring Our Heroes through Honor Flights

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Employee

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As the official airline of the Honor Flight Network, Southwest® supports veterans. Patriotism runs deep at Southwest Airlines®, and we’re proud to honor those who have given us the freedom to fly. Celebrating the brave military members who have served or are actively serving our country is important to us, especially around Veterans Day.

Since 2009, Southwest has been the official airline of the Honor Flight Network. Through this partnership, we provide complimentary round trip travel that helps bring military heroes to Washington, D.C, to visit and reflect at their memorials. What began as a way to celebrate World War II veterans has since grown to reach veterans of other wars. Honor Flight has flown more than 230,000 heroes— at no cost—to see the memorials, including those for WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Intended as a heartfelt thank you to the veterans for their service, these trips are also an opportunity for the veterans to be honored for their sacrifices and achievements.

 

Southwest has provided travel for more than 9,000 veterans and their families, valued at more than $3.6 million. Additionally, since 2015, Honor Flight has been a Points for a Purpose partner, which gives our Customers the opportunity to donate their Rapid Rewards® points to Honor Flight to help support other trips.

Recently, Southwest Captain John Freed and his father, Bob Freed, journeyed together from Houston to Washington, D.C., on an Honor Flight. Lt. Col. John “Dingo” Freed supported combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Staff Sergeant Bob “Spider” Freed served in Thailand, the Philippines, and Japan during the Vietnam War. “As a veteran, taking my father on an Honor Flight was a trip of a lifetime,” John said. “The memories and friendships made on this trip will last forever. I am extremely proud to be an Employee of a company that supports Honor Flight.” With respect, honor, and gratitude, we thank you, veterans, for everything you have done for our country!