The LUV That Never Dies

[blusk]

Although Southwest is a relatively young Company, we have our share of Retirees, especially when you consider that a lot of our folks have come to Southwest as a second career. However, when it comes time to "hang up the old Southwest ID card," it is hard to let go of the Southwest Family, and fortunately for them, and more importantly for us, they don't have to. The LUVers Group was formed by two or our Original Employees in 2002 as a way to keep all Southwest Retirees connected with the airline they LUV. The group began with meetings of eight to ten Retirees that would meet several times a year here at our Headquarters. Well, that group has grown to 230 members from all across the country. Their lunch meetings usually start by catching up on events in each other's lives, and they transition to ,"Do you remember when?" At the recent luncheon to celebrate our 35th Anniversary, each member was asked to provide their fondest Southwest memory. Kelli Bartlet, one of our current Flight Attendants and a host of the event, shared some of their memories with me and also provided the photos for this post. Donna Pomroy, our former Administrative Coordinator at the Dallas Station remembers the time when a gentleman enlisted her help to have 24 Customers line up with a red rose to welcome the Customers off of a flight. He waited at the end of the line as everyone deplaned to propose on bended knee to his future wife. Chuck Martin, our former Director of Maintenance recalls when a "small group of Employees" flew to Chicago Midway to recruit former employees of Midway Airlines, which had just liquidated. For sustenance and to save costs, the group lived on bags of White Castle hamburgers. (I don't know about Chuck, but I'd give my eye/ teeth for a fresh bag of hot "sliders" right now!) Bob McNiel, our retired Manager of Safety and Transportation Procedures wants to be around for another 35 years to see how far the "LUV Airline" can go, and former CEO Jim Parker's best memories are the "wonderful, caring People of Southwest." The "$13 Fare War" when Southwest gave the Customer a choice of a $13 fare between Dallas and Houston or to pay the full fare of $26 and receive a fifth of premium liquor was Original Employee Joy Bardo's favorite memory. Gwen Harrison, a retired Flight Attendant/Inflight Supervisor/Inflight Trainer recalls that she felt guilty getting a paycheck because of the Southwest Family feeling. She also fondly (?) remembers her afro wig, hot pants, and go-go boots. Some of the attendees also shared their current activities. Glen Woods who was our Station Manager in Denver (Stapleton) and Albuquerque and Assistant Station Manager in Dallas is currently restoring classic cars, trucks, sailboats, and motorcycles. Former Flight Attendant Deborah Franklin, another of our Original Employees, is restoring old cemetaries and studying genealogy. That's just a handful of the thoughts of those who attended. Thanks to Kelli for sharing, and more importantly thanks to all these Retirees for making Southwest what it is today!

[Vasken_Hauri]

This is not exactly on topic, but I couldn't find a place to contact the blog writers, so this comment will have to do. I recently discovered just how incredible Southwest's staff really is when I changed my Rapid Rewards reservation three times in two days, paid nothing for the changes, and spoke with three different, equally helpful and non-admonishing customer service agents who cheerfully shuffled around my flights without delay. This came on the heels of my experience on a flight from Miami to Manchester which stopped in Tampa. I didn't realize that passengers bound for Manchester weren't 'supposed' to be able to get off the plane and back on, but when we landed in Tampa, I was starved. I sheepishly asked the flight attendant if I could get off the plane, and was happily accomodated by both the flight and gate crews. I thought that was enough to make me a loyal Southwest customer, but I'm starting to see that the spirit that drove you company when it was young and just starting out still drives it today in every possible aspect. If you'd like to read the full story about the Rewards reservation experience, it's at www.vaskenhauri.com/blog/?p=73

[Nona_Rogers]

Hey all! I am not yet retired, but I am on long term disability due to the consequences of Katrina in New Orleans and some job change requirements. Therefore, I am on the email list for the LUVers group. Brian is absolutely correct, it's very hard to "let go" after 29 years and an absolutely unforgetable career. I've got a memory that I'd like to share. Back in the days, we used a phone system caled the "PLF" to contact other departments. You simply picked up the phone, called out the name of the department you wanted and identified your department. For instance, if I wanted to contact DRC, Dallas Reservations Center, I'd say "DRC this is El Paso", and someone would answer. Everyone in every other department could hear the conversation as it was all on speaker phone. I believe that is how we all stayed connected and knew each other, even though we didn't work in the same city. I made some great and long lasting friendships with people I never met in person...sort of like an antiquated email system. Then, when you finally met, it was fun putting the faces with the voices, right Terry M? Of course, you had to be careful what you said, and during hectic times, like when the reservation system went down, or there was bad weather, it could be a challange squeezing in your call when everyone else was trying too. Fun! Fun! Fun! Just a fond memory from an old dinasour. Nona Roges/CSS MSY

[Jennifer_McKnig]

I am not yet retired but as a 15 year employee, am considered one of the oldies and attend these LUVers Lunches. I had the greatest pleasure of being hired by original Employee Joy Bardo and learned so many things from her, most importantly, the Spirit of Southwest. Later I had the pleasure of working for another original Employee, Camille Keith, who also taught many things about Southwest. I hope we never lose touch with these folks that are such a valuable asset to our history and man, can they tell some stories! Thank you to Joy and Camille for all you have given me and to Southwest!

[Peggy_Beeman]

Brian, I've been reading the Nuts about Southwest Blog since I've learned of it. I have been very curious about SWA for awhile and have considered changing jobs, from a teacher to a LUV employee if I could be lucky enough to get hired! We often read about SWA Culture and your story proves that this company is very unique as it also nurtures the SWA spirit even after one retires! Now that says a lot about a company! Thank you for the great stories. I've enjoyed all that you write. Peggy Beeman

[blusk]

Aw, Peggy, I am blushing. You obviously recognize great writing when you see it. Just kidding, honest! Thanks for the kind words. We have lots of folks like you who come to Southwest as a second career, so if that is your dream, go for it! Again, thanks for being part of Nuts About Southwest! Brian

[Dr__William_B__]

I have flown SOUTHWEST for many years past... BUT IF SOUTHWEST does NOT go to a specific city I NEED FOR A SEMINAR... I DO NOT GO... I fly close and take the bus... ALSO... I LOVE the NEW B-O-R-D-I-N-I-N-G P-A-S-S... I just walked into the AIRPORT... went to southwest and passed SECURITY inspection... went to SOUTHWEST RAMP and waited for my FLIGHT... ITS VERY QUICK & EASY... G--R-E-A-T...

[Anonymous851]

where do I go to find hiring information for retirees

[pberg]

you can find career information at this link: https://www.swajobs.com/ci20/index.jsp?applicationName=swaExtCI