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LUV Note from the Sky

Not applicable

I recently had the wonderful opportunity on one of my flights to meet a World War II veteran who served on the U.S.S Intrepid and who now  is on the Board of Directors for that ship.  This was on a flight from West Palm Beach to Long Island, and when Felix Novelli came on the plane, he was quite charming and was wearing his hat and jacket displaying the U.S.S. Intrepid.  With his permission, we made an announcement to the Passengers, and Vera the "A" Flight Attendant sang a song in his honor.  The entire plane lit up in delight, and Passengers came forward to say hi to Felix and shake his hand.  This was one of those magical flights when you knew that we were doing a lot more than going from point A to B, and I was so happy to be on it.  Felix said that all that he ever wants is a "thank you" and for people to just remember--by the time he left the flight he knew that we all cared. 

During the flight, we were able to visit, and Felix told me that when he was very young he joined the military.  He said he wasn't much of a fighter, but "boy I could run fast because I was always getting in trouble."  On one occasion, he got into a fight in a bar--apparently the entire bar broke out in this rumble and tore the place up when the U.S.S. Intrepid had stopped at a port.  Well, in keeping with his running ability--he ran out of there and fell to his knees on the outside of the bar.  Shortly after that, a Military Policeman (MP) came from the ship to get things in order and ran into Felix.  The MP asked Felix if he had been in that fight in the bar, and of course, Felix said "no" and that he had been outside the entire time.  Knowing he couldn't prove that Felix was in the bar, the MP hit him with the billy club (not that hard, but hard enough) and sent him back to the ship.

Fast forwarding to a few years ago, the U.S.S. Intrepid had a reunion.  Felix sits on the board of directors, and when he was calling people for the reunion, he found the name of the MP that he had first met all those many years ago.  Felix called him and asked if he could come.  The MP told Felix that he wasn't doing very well, but if his nurse or his granddaughter could bring him, he would be there.  The reunion was being held in San Francisco, and the former MP lived in Sacramento, so Felix insisted that he would come and get him if needed, but at all cost, he needed to be there.  The MP was able to get a ride to the reunion, and when Felix saw him he went up and whacked the MP and said, "Now, we are even!"  Felix explained that the MP had the same look in his eye's as when they had met those earlier years.  Time, age, and the condition of one's body does not change the understanding between sailors. They became closer than ever and remained so until the MP passed away. 

I left the aircraft to get some food, and Felix was surrounded by our Passengers in the gate area--it was delightful to see!  I ran over and told Felix I just wanted one more kiss, and with a grin, he looked at all the Passengers and said:  "Look, that's what you get when you are a WWII Vet!"  Again, we all smiled, and it was a moment bigger than life!   Can you tell that I fell in love with this guy?

9 Comments
Kay_May
Explorer C
I think this is one of the sweetest stories I have read in a long time! Add this to the SW pilot who waited for the Grandfaher trying to get to his dying grandson iand it s just awesome. I have always been a fan of Southwest. My nephew is a pilot for SW and so we all have a soft spot for this airlines anyway. I have never had a bad experience to this day. Thanks SW for setting yourself apart from the other airlines who have lost sight of people. You Rock!
Vickie1
Explorer C
What a heartwarming story!! I usually always fly Southwest!! Keep up the great work!! 🙂
Geoff1
Explorer C
I volunteered at the Intrepid Museum for many years as a student and the most valuable part of the experience was spending time with the veterans who had served on the ship from 1943-1974.
Rebecca_Givens
Explorer C
What a great story and what a compliment to Southwest employees that they recognize the importance of these veterans.
Shannon_Rigsby
Explorer C
Thank you, Felix for your service!
Joe_Aygar
Explorer C
What a beautiful story! Thanks for writing it Rachael. Of course a big thanks goes to Felix and all the others who fought for us. Being the younger generation, we are thankful for every single Felix who fought for our freedom. God bless you all.
Mary_Frauenhofe
Explorer C
Rachael told this story on the flight from Buffalo to Baltimore on 9/3/11 and I loved it. My father was WWII veteran also. This was the greatest generation ever. They had a commraderee that no one in today's world can understand or replicate. It's wonderful to see how the remaining WWII vets are treated. Thank you for sharing Felix's story. You are a very caring person and you show that in your job. Again, thank you for sharing the story and making the flight seem shorter than it was. Take care
coang
Explorer C
Had the good fortune to meet and fly with Rachael this morning from San Francisco to Denver. What a wonderful person and great representative for Southwest. Thanks for taking care of our Vets and making sure they know how important their service was. Especially our WW II Vets. Keep writing Rachael...
millie-richter-
Frequent Flyer C
Thanks for sharing Tom ... we'll make sure that Rachael receives your kudos!