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Supporting our Southwest Troops

slogan
Adventurer C
We at the LUV airline are a patriotic bunch. We LUV our country; we give America the Freedom to fly; and we support our troops who fight for our country's many freedoms. One way we express our LUV is by encouraging our Employees to wear red shirts on Fridays to show our support for the troops. In addition, our Internal Customer Care Team (this year's Heroes of the Heart!) sends LUV packages to all of our Employees or immediate family members who are called for military service. Many times, individual departments also keep in touch with Employees who have been called for military duty. The attached photos show several of our Southwest Airlines Family Members who are currently serving overseas. mike-clanton.jpgMike Clanton is the husband of my friend, Tina, who works as a Recruiter in the People & Leadership Development Department. Mike is in the Marine Corps Reserves and has been serving in northwest Iraq, near the Syrian border, since early November. handing-out-goodies.JPG Several departments have 'adopted' Mike during his deployment, and have sent goodies for him, as well as backpacks, school supplies and shoes for iraqi-kids.JPGIraqi children. Another friend of mine who is currently serving overseas is a SWA Finance Department Employee named Charles Kitowski. charles.JPGHis girlfriend, Berri, also a Southwest Employee, works in our Flight Operations Department as a Crew Accommodations Specialist. Charles left in January for Afghanistan and will be there until November. Here are a few photos that he sent to us recently. If you look closely at the photo titled "My Room," my-room.JPGthe photo in the calendar on his wall is of Charles and Berri from our trip to Seattle in August to pick up a new 737 (see Sunny's blog, "Can We Bottle That Smell?") Another great story came to us from Bernadette Maldonado, a Baltimore-based Flight Attendant, bernadette-bill2.JPGwho was also deployed to Afghanistan in January of this year. Shortly after arriving, she met Bill Mountcastle, another SWA Employee, who works as a BWI-based Pilot! bernadette-bill.JPGThey had not met each other before, but both found comfort in the fact that they had a Fellow SWA Employee serving alongside them! Attached are some photos that Bernadette sent to her friends at home. I'm so grateful to all of these folks for serving our country, and I'm proud to call them my friends. It makes my heart happy to know that even though they are far away from home, they can feel the LUV we're sending their way.
95 Comments
Mary23
Explorer B
My hat goes off for all those who serve in the military at this time. Those who take the time to capture the hearts and mind of the Iraqi children are planting seeds of diplomacy that may be reaped later.
Timothy_Candian
Explorer C
Southwest, you truly listen and go out of your way to adress concerns from passengers. I had an unusual experience from a flight due to bad weather. Unfortunately there were some issues but I wrote a letter of concern to Southwest and really just expressing my concerns because I feel that unless you let someone know about issues they can never improve. Well to everyone that has not flown Southwest, your missing a truly incredible organization that really wants to do the right thing. The airline of my choice will be Southwest. They do get it, they understand that people are important and when issues come up, go out of there way to correct things.In this day of modern business where one can feel like just a number, Southwest did respond and its just the "response" that lets you know that you have been heard and matter. Southwest, thank you and each and everyone of the people in customer service and the management, you know what it takes to make a buisness work and you truly know how to take a service and put caring behind its name.
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
Thank you for thinking of the troops that are serving overseas. Those pictures are inspiring, these average Americans who are willing to die for our country are the true heros of our time. You kind find these heros on the streets of Baghdad or in the mountains of Afghanistan or within the confines of an aircraft carrier. Despite what the media might say, Hollywood is not a place to look for heros. I have two friends of mine from our ship who are serving on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan. I often think of them and the sacrifice that they are making. Freedom isn't free and i salute Southwest airlines for supporting us in these historic times. USS BLOG BOY
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Good post Tim. I always make sure to write a letter after my flights to thank the employees and always get a response. Even an unexpected one as a box full of stuffed animals arrived when I wrote that we were expecting our second child in 2004. Brian, how about a cake on the front page for Ding! boys 33rd birthday on April 16? ;-) Ding! boy Joe Friedmann
Phil_Willman
Adventurer C
Amen Francisco. Our Heroes are the men and women on the ground, in the air, and on the sea who willingly put themselves in harm's way every day. One of my Coworkers' Reserve group was called to active duty, and he is in the middle of his tour in Iraq right now. We pray for him, and for all military personnel, to come home safe and come home soon.
Micah1
Explorer A
I had the privilege of attending the Easter Sunrise Service at the Arlington National Cemetery this past Sunday. It was truly moving to be surrounded by 300,000 men and women who had given everything to preserve our liberty. I really appreciate Southwest doing so much to support them.
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
Before i respond i wanted to say that as someone who is serving overseas i am getting tired of hollywood and certain lawmakers in Washington who on a continual basis slam what we are doing overseas. I realize that we in this country are entitled to speak freely, but enough is enough. It hurts the morale of the military. Now on to my responses MICAH I AM SURE THAT WAS A SIGHT TO SEE. I WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN THERE TO SEE IT. PHIL, I WILL KEEP YOUR CO-WORKER IN MY PRAYERS. HE IS DOING SUCH AN HONORABLE THING AND HIS REWARD WILL BE GREATER THEN ANYTHING WE COULD GIVE.
FriendofBlogBoy
Frequent Flyer B
Shelley, What a wonderful posting to keep us mindful of the sacrifices being made every day by men and women from this country who are serving overseas! How often do we all get up each morning and go about our normal daily routine without giving thought to our troops? We complain about rush hour traffic or long lines at the grocery store, but these outstanding Americans in uniform are facing people who want to kill them every moment of every day. We get to go to the comfort of our homes and turn on our color TVs without thanking the folks who won that freedom for us and who keep winning it on a daily basis. Your post is also a wonderful reminder of just why the ticker symbol for Southwest is LUV. Our favorite airline is more than just a group of people who move passengers from point A to point B; it is a collection of people who care deeply about others and whose hearts are as big as the one painted on the side of the Heroes of the Heart 737! At the end of the day, the low fares, the great Employees, the timely service and the wonderful peanuts all pale in comparison to the fact that you also spread the Southwest-style of LUV to those who need an extra share of it! The biggest profit that is earned at the end of the year is not a monetary one -- it is the reward of knowing that your servant hearts have reached out and given something of yourselves. Bravo and Brava for ALL of the Employees at Southwest! Kim External Blog Boy 🙂
SJV
Explorer C
Here's a thought for Southwest: Why not show real courtesy and respect for military personnel travelling in uniform and allow them to board with the "A" group regardless of check-in time. On a recent flight I actually witnessed a flight attendant tell a soldier (in desert camo fatigues, no less) that if he wanted a better seat he "should have checked in sooner".
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
SJV, I disagree with you, you should know that in the military we are taught to esteem others before ourselves. This means that the pre-boarders are usually the elderly, or the sick. I would rather allow them to board before me who is perfectlty healthy, or perhaps a mother who has young kids. If you want a good seat you have two options.. 1) you can go online 24 hours in advance and check in or 2) you can book a flight on another airline who despite you being military will still charge you an arm and a leg.. Southwest does a lot for the military. USS BLOG BOY
Ivan_Roberts
Explorer C
Nice blog... as a mechanic out of the 325 AMXS ; 43rd AMU F-22 Crew Chief aircraft mechanic based out of panama city florida , and a proud member of the United States Air Force.. i want to thank southwest for what they do for this proud country..
bgentry
Explorer C
Great Blog Shelley! Thank-you for taking the time talk to about our Heroes here at Southwest! I love the pictures, especially the one of me on Charles' wall, LOL! Please keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers. Hurry Home! We LUV you and miss you. Be careful! Thanks again Shelley!
Charles_Barrows
Explorer C
Help me Southwest. Your roundtrip prices have been very good, and we've taken advantage of them in the past. You just e-mailed me your latest great one-way prices between the southwest and northwest. So I tried to get my daughter in Arizona a great roundtrip airfare price between Phoenix and Spokane, WA, and, believe it or not, Priceline.Com could do better. What gives? That's never happened before when we've dealt exclusively with Southwest. You advertised $44 to $94 one-way trips, and then I find that I would have to pay well over $400 for her roundtrip. What's up?
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[...] post on Southwest’s blog explains why the company has embraced the Red Fridays idea as a voluntary [...]
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[...] first saw this mentioned at Red State.org. Following links from there I found Southwest Airlines participating, and the following from the Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition website which [...]
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[...] post on SouthwestÃ
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Another Reason to Fly Southwest... You know, in addition to that $27 fare to Tampa you just got. Sweeeet.Southwest is getting behind the Red Friday campaign, which encourages Americans to wear red on Fridays to show their support for the troops.Why are they supporting it?This......
Jo_Bond
Explorer C
Way to go, SWA!!! You have been our favorite airline for years and now we LUV you even more. God bless those SWA employees and family members who are over there doing the hard work. jb
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[...] SouthWest Airlines urges its employees to support our troops (and their LUVed employees and family members serving overseas) by wearing red on Fridays. Important to note in this space, they wrote about it on their blog. [...]
Jerry_Glenn
Explorer C
Thank you for supporting our troops, Southwest! Iflyswa...!
DRJ
Explorer C
Another great reason to always fly Southwest Airlines. I'll be wearing something red on Fridays, too.
PJ3
Explorer C
Southwest is the best, I knew there was a reason I always flew with them.
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[...] Airline of choice now… Southwest!!!! Supporting Our Southwest Troops is a MUST read. We at the LUV airline are a patriotic bunch. We [...]
Tommy_D
Explorer C
Does anyone know when SW will be posting the Thanksgiving Week Airfares? Looking to head out the Sunday before (11/18) and return the following Sunday (11/25 - if possible) or Monday (11/26). Thanks, TAD
pcerda
Adventurer B
TAD, The tentative date is June 28th to open through January 16th. Jedi Blog Master
Tommy_D
Explorer C
THANK YOU
use2b2t2
Explorer C
I will definitely fly with you if it is to a city that you service. As a veteran, it means a lot to those troops that your small step makes them feel good about being over there away from family. While I am not sure the story below is true, I still commend you! Will you give this to my Daddy? As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support "Red Fridays." Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest act's of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo's, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal! . Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. This was sent as an email. It has made me fly SWA whenever I can! The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this! temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon." The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, their were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of
Dr__Ken
Explorer C
"Red Fridays" is a great idea. I am proud to join your employees in wearing red to support our troops. See you on the plane! May God protect our troops.
Rich1
Explorer C
am wondering if Southwest will have a direct nonstop flight to Panama CityÃ
Brontegal
Explorer C
To use2b2t2, In regards to your Red Fridays blog story - While I'm very moved by the story, I don't understand why the soldier didn't hand the communication device to the little girl so that she could hear her father's voice instead of the message being relayed... Can you explain? Thanks.
Tim_Lefebvre
Explorer C
God bless you guys! As an Alaska Airlines pilot it embarrasses me how detached my company is. I commend your patriotism, and your focus on what is important,"the troops"!
Stephanie1111
Explorer C
To Brontegal ~ Heeelllloooo - he didn't really talk to the dad. He pretended and told the little girl that! That was the whole point of the story. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
L__Layton
Explorer C
I am glad to hear that Southwest is supporting the troops with the Red On Friday campaign. I love Southwest Airlines and try to fly them whenever possible. This only strengthens my feeling toward the Airline. Thanks for being a great American Company!
Katy__Texas
Explorer C
I believe this article references a Charles Kitowski from Katy, Texas. I doubt they are too many Charles Kitowskis (well, I do know of three). I grew up across from Charles (or Trey as we called him because he was Charles Kitowski III). His parents found out yesterday that he was killed in Afghanistan. It is a very sad time for his family and his neighbors. I hadn't seen or talked to Trey in years, but it still really pained me to hear this news. He was someone I played with as a kid and looked up to as an adolescent. May he be in all of our prayers.
Pixie
Explorer C
Tell me this isn't so, just got todays war casualty report .... Is this the same Sgt. Charles B. Kitowski mentioned in last months article? My condolences to his family, his military collegue and his coworkers at Southwest... :*( "The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 12 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey D. Kettle, 31, of Madill, Okla. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. Staff Sgt. Jesse G. Clowers Jr., 27, of Herndon, Va. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. Sgt. Charles B. Kitowski III, 31, of Farmers Branch, Texas. He was assigned to the 345th Psychological Operations Company, 2nd Psychological Operations Group, U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C."
Jason_Parker
Explorer C
Charles was one of my college roommates and a dear friend. There are a number of us from the University of St. Thomas who lived together in the dorms and became life long friends. Everytime he came back to houston there was a get-together. Unfortunately I missed his farwell party before bootcamp. It's amazing the circle of people what would come back together just because Charles was coming to town. He was truly loved. We all received the news today through his parents about his death. I can't begin to describe the sadness which ALL of us are feeling. God bless you Charles and thanks for all you have done for me, my children, and my country!!!!!!! Jason
Daniel3
Explorer C
I was just wondering if this was Charles Kitowski III and if he lived in farmers branch, texas. Sgt. Kitowski of the 345th POC, passed away this last weekend from a road side bomb in Afganistan and my prayers are with him. I serve in the same unit as him and it hurts when it hits so close to home.
Don_Kessinger
Explorer B
My most extreme and heart-felt condolences go out to all that knew Charles, family and friends. I did not know of Charles except through this website, but tears roll as I write this to see such a promising man meet such a tragic ending. I will say a prayer for all. I can only hope that over time that memories can help to ease the pain. God Bless.
slogan
Adventurer C
Yes, unfortunately, this was "our" Charles who was killed Sunday in Afghanistan. We are all in shock and mourning, and will miss him dearly. Please send your thoughts and prayers to Charles' family and his girlfriend, Berri, who is also a Southwest Employee. Words cannot express how sad we are...Charles was truly one of the kindest, most genuine, thoughtful, and FUN people I had ever met. I am a better person for having known him, and our lives will never be the same. We LUV you and will miss you, Charles.
Lisa_Bonario_Mi
Explorer C
Charles is one of the most amazing, thoughtful, and honorable people I have ever had the pleasure to know. We went to college together and lived in the same apartment complex for a few years after graduating. He was there for me with a quick smile and kind word whenever i needed it. Charles was the kind of person that quickly enters your heart and stays there forever. As Jason said, he was truly loved by all. God bless you Charles.
Jennifer_Gaudet
Explorer C
I am still in shock. Charles was an unbelieveable person, and truly irreplaceable. A fellow finance employee said to me "He and Berri could light up a room together" It was true. I will never forget his caring nature, kind heart, funny stories, and of course, his wonderful smile. I will miss you very much, Charles. You were one of a kind.
Jen14
Explorer C
We will miss him.
Tony_Mills
Explorer C
These postings are the reason I always fly SWA. You guys and girls are truly a family. You treat your customers like family. I had the honor of meeting Trey nearly 17 years ago. I married his first cousin and I've always considered Trey my family. One couldn't help but feel that way after meeting him. I know he loved SWA and he also loved serving his country. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. Aunt Theresa (Trey's Mom), loved her "Trey Boy" just about more than any mother could ever love a child. Aunt Theresa, we love you and are praying for you. Berri, I know you are also hurting inside, but remember how strong Trey was and how strong he would want you to be. See ya'll Thurs or Fri
The_Tompkins
Explorer C
Our hearts are heavy and sad. -Lori and Jeremy.
Michelle3
Explorer C
Charles (and his roommate Wade) were two of the first friends I made at UST. Charles was kind, considerate, a good friend to everyone that knew him. He was a true gentleman; someone you could always depend on to get you out of a jam, just as you could always depend on him to lift your mood and your spirit if that is what the moment called for. We are thankful to him for his service to our country, but even moreso for the impact he had on our lives through his friendship. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and closest friends who are deeply hurting from the painful loss brought by his passing.
Vonnie_Selzer
Explorer C
Charles, you will be remembered by all!
Margaret_Ritchi
Explorer C
My prayers and thoughts are with all those who knew Charles. We cannot thank you enough for the sacrifice he has made. God Bless.
bgentry
Explorer C
As much pain as I'm in right now, I want everyone to know what a great guy Charles is and that he truly lived and believed in the Southwest way. He has a Fun-Luving attitdue, Servants Heart and a Warrior Spirit. He loved his family, friends and Southwest Airlines. Here I am telling everyone the story he wanted to tell everyone after his mission on Friday.I want everyone to know when I talked to him last Saturday that he was in a great mood and so excited about coming home. I just never thought that would be the last time I heard his sweet, caring voice. He told me a couple of weeks ago, that I "eased his pain through this trying time". I love you, Charles! I will never forget all the memories we had together. I will miss you, your smile, our laughs, our talks, and most of all just being with you. You made me feel at ease and made me a better person. We had so much fun together and were so silly. I just think about about all the things we did...and it just makes me laugh. I want you to know that, I would do anything to have you back with your family and I. This wasn't suppose to happen and I am so heartbroken. I am going to be with your family in Houston today, and just know that I am going to be strong for your mom. I know that's what you would want me to do. I am thinking about you and love you so much! I will never forget this saying,"God be with us together and apart". I will always remember what you told me last Christms "Smile your always on my mind". If anyone from his unit (345) or over in Afghanistan is reading this, please find a way to get in contact with me. It would me everything to me. If Clint Dickey is reading this I want to thank-you for being a good friend to Charles the past year. I remember him calling me and telling me that you two were always eating together, working out together, playing video games together, watching movies together, downloading music together,and talking about your girlfrineds together 😃 Charles also told me about how you went on leave to South Padre and how much fun you had with all your friends. He was looking forward to coming home in November. I really just want to thank-you from the bottom of my heart for being there with him and for him. If there's anyway you can get in contact with me, I would really like that. I have so many things I want to talk to you about. I love you CHARROS and Happy Birthday! Berri
Rosalva_Parrawa
Explorer C
The Kitowski family and Berri are all in my prayers. I will remember Charles as having a heart of gold and always sharing a cheerful smile every time you saw him. He truly reflected the SWA warrior spirit, fun loving attitude, and servants heart. He will be truly missed not only by us in finance but by anyone who ever had the privilege of meeting such an amazingly wonderful person. He will be remembered with much luv by all. -Rosalva
Carl_Bandy
Explorer C
Paige and I want to express our deepest condolences to Mr. & Mrs. Kitowski, to Berri and to the entire Southwest Family. We have come to meet and know quite a few SWA employees and we have seen the closeness you all have for each other. We know this is a tremendous loss to all of you too. We met Charles a couple of times, through our Daughter and Son-in-Law, who both work at Headquarters, and a finer young man you would not find. One of the times we met him, our Daughter (Melody) advise me that he had either, just joined the Army, or was going to join. Being retired Army, I took pride in his selection and it was obvious that the Army was getting one of America's best. I can't begin to imagine the loss his Parents and Berri have sustained, but if it offers any comfort, two senior citizens in Arizona are happier that this young man touched their lives. God Bless Charles and all of you good people.