Southwest Airlines Community

The following blog post was co-written by Debbie Wafford and Stephen Keller.        Our Customers travel Southwest for many different reasons, and we love being a part of the journey that helps connect them to what’s important in their lives.   One group of travelers who especially tugs at our Hearts are those traveling to or from receiving medical treatment. At Southwest, we recognize this type of travel can come at a stressful time and cause a financial burden for families, which is why we launched our Medical Transportation Grant Program (MTGP) 14 years ago.   This year, we’re donating 10,000 roundtrip tickets to 79 nonprofit hospitals and medical transportation charities across North America, easing the burden of travel for medical patients and their caregivers. Through the MTGP, organizations can distribute tickets directly to those who need to travel, like Oyoana.   Oyoana, a Marine Corps veteran, was injured during her 2005 deployment in Iraq. She sustained extensive burns to her face and hands. Since then, she has been treated by UCLA Operation Mend to help heal her scars. Operation Mend provides advanced surgical and medical treatment, as well as comprehensive psychological-health support for post-9/11-era service members, veterans, and their families at no cost.   Operation Mend has been involved in our MTGP since 2015. Through this partnership, we’ve been honored to help countless veterans receive the medical treatment they need.   Now in its 14th year, Southwest’s MTGP has donated nearly $36 million in transportation costs to more than 89,000 patients and caregivers. To view the full list of participating hospitals and charitable organizations for 2020, visit Southwest.com/medicalgrant.     ... View more

The following blog post was co-written by Debbie Wafford and Stephen Keller.    It’s no secret Southwest Airlines is dedicated to the People and communities we serve. We love to give back and one of the many ways we do this is through our Medical Transportation Grant Program (MTGP). Since the program’s inception in 2007, we have donated more than 69,000 tickets to nonprofit hospitals and medical organizations for use by patients and caregivers in need of travel assistance.     Camden’s family is a special example of how impactful this program can be. After a terrible car accident took the lives of his parents and left him with substantial injuries, Camden required specialized care and medical attention. Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, located in St. Louis and a MTGP partner since 2017, was the perfect place for Camden to be during his recovery.   Camden’s family lives in Tennessee but were able to fly Southwest through MTGP to be there for him during his hospital stay—something the hospital felt was crucial to Camden’s progress and success. Now seven years old, Camden is back home in Tennessee enjoying time with his family as he continues his recovery.   Giving back is at the Heart of what we do and we’re honored to have played a role in Camden’s life. ... View more

We love the enthusiasm we’ve seen on this board this week for Southwest Airlines, and we’d love to give you all an opportunity to connect with us a little more!   The Southwest Airlines Repurpose with Purpose program video has been entered at the 2018 International Corporate Citizenship Film Festival. In order to reach the final round of the film finalists, we need your help to spread the LUV! Please take a moment to view the Repurpose with Purpose video and vote for it by clicking here. We know if any group can help us get there, it’s you. Thanks Southwest Community! ... View more