As we celebrate Veterans’ Day and our “Heroes Month” at Southwest Airlines, we take time to reflect on a different kind of military service. For years, Southwest Cargo has transported fallen soldiers to their final destination and I’m incredibly proud of the way our Employees show their respect for these heroes and their families. These men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and we are privileged and humbled to provide this service for our military families.
The transport of a fallen soldier is an emotional experience. And, it’s one that requires immense Teamwork in order for everything to go smoothly. It begins when our Southwest Cargo Customer Care Center is contacted to book the transport. The Representative reaches out to our Employees at the designated airports, Pilots, and others involved to ensure that everyone is aware of which flights the soldier will be traveling on and to communicate logistical details. For example, the airport may need to coordinate escorts for a family or Honor Guard, and the Flight Crew must know how many individuals will be accompanying the soldier from the origin to the final destination. Because of the cooperation across several different workgroups, we are able to provide our utmost care and respect.
The day of the transport, our Crews on the ground and in the air honor our heroes in a variety of ways.
During the loading and unloading all work on the ground ceases. We don’t add bags; we don’t fuel our aircraft.
Instead, all attention is focused on the brave fallen soldier, along with his or her friends and family. Our Ground Operations Agents spontaneously remove their hats, bow their heads, and clutch American flags.
Pilots and Flight Attendants offer their support for the escorts, and let our Customers know what precious cargo we are carrying. And when the flag-draped casket is taken off the airplane at the soldier’s final destination, it is incredibly moving.
In this month of Heroes, these particular heroes have done so much for our country, and together our kindhearted, patriotic Employees were honored to pay tribute to each one on his or her final flight home.
For this week of November, our theme is Sacrifice. Please share your photos using the hashtags #Sacrifice and #MilitaryHeroes.
As we celebrate Veterans’ Day and our “Heroes Month” at Southwest Airlines, we take time to reflect on a different kind of military service. For years, Southwest Cargo has transported fallen soldiers to their final destination and I’m incredibly proud of the way our Employees show their respect for these heroes and their families. These men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and we are privileged and humbled to provide this service for our military families.