Southwest Airlines Honored among Military Friendly Employers

[RobertCorley]

For the eighth year in a row, Southwest Airlines is proud to be named a Top Military Friendly Employer by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs. This award seeks to recognize companies with active efforts to employ members of the military. With over 7,000 Veterans and 440 military spouses currently in our workforce, this recognition solidifies our commitment to provide meaningful employment to these honorable men and women and their families. Southwest will be showcased along with other 2017 Military Friendly Employers in the December issue of G.I. Jobs magazine, the January 2017 issue of Military Spouse Magazine, and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

Robert Corley, a Senior Manager in Corporate Delivery, shares details about his experience in the Navy and how he’s incorporated the lessons he learned in the military to his life at Southwest:

Both of my grandfathers served in the Navy during WWII, and my father is a retired Navy Warrant Officer. At a young age, they instilled in me the need for service to my community, my country, and my world. I then served in the Navy from 1995 to 1999, as an enlisted Fire Controlman aboard the USS Vella Gulf. I was responsible for maintaining computer and display system consoles—much like those you see used in movies to monitor radar contacts. Aside from traveling the world to see places I may never see again (like kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland), I was able to form lifelong relationships and learn crucial leadership lessons I continue to use today. The sailors I served alongside regularly demonstrated servant leadership and what we at Southwest refer to as a Warrior Spirit by risking their lives to take care of their shipmates, 24/7/365. They taught me to stand proudly for my country and to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of background, appearance, or philosophy.

Similarly, at Southwest Airlines, I see men and women making daily sacrifices for their colleagues and their Customers by working late hours, volunteering to serve others, and lifting the spirits of those around them with a smile and a hug. This selfless environment empowers me to utilize the problem solving, leadership, and service skills that I learned in the Navy. In addition, because I had to depend on a diverse Team while in the military, I am able to find inclusive value in each and every person I am fortunate enough to meet.

Southwest sets a high bar in how we continually celebrate and recognize our veterans. We provide regular opportunities for veterans to serve other veterans and continue to implement some amazing programs to assist veterans in making their transition from the military to the corporate workforce. It is culturally evident that Southwest Airlines cares for our veterans.

Patriotism runs deep at Southwest Airlines. We’re proud of the over 7,000 veterans and 440 military spouses currently in our ranks. We honor our veterans and their incredible Warrior Spirit. Our colors may be blue, red, and yellow but our support is for the red, white, and blue.

Southwest Airlines is a proud partner of: Army PaYS, Veteran Jobs Mission, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Allies in Service, Marine For Life, Department of Labor VETS, Public Private Partnership, and Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP).

Southwest Airlines is proud to be among G.I. Jobs’ Military Friendly Employers, a Most Valuable Employer for Military by CivilianJobs.com, and one of U.S. Veterans Magazine’s Best of the Best Veteran-Friendly Companies. Apply today at Southwest.com/careers.