Being a Southwest Airlines Pilot carries with it tremendous responsibilities and privileges, but being an Adopt-a-Pilot carriers its own responsibilities and honors. This year marked my eighth year volunteering as an Adopt-A-Pilot, and going into the classroom and teaching young minds about aviation and the keys to success never gets old! The students’ shining (yet unsure) faces quickly become familiar; their personalities, mannerisms, and enthusiasm are as comfortable as a favorite pair of blue jeans. As soon as the initial ice is broken, and their sincere desire to learn takes over, a bond is formed—I am “their” Pilot, and this is “my” AAP class.
On Friday, May 9, my students at Oak Hill Elementary graduated from the Adopt-A-Pilot Program. We ended the year with a party, complete with cake, punch, and a very special guest—Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines CEO! “Mr. Kelly” tested what the students learned this year, plus gave them the unique perspective as “the boss.” The students’ faces beamed with pride as Gary spoke with them. It’s been several years since he’s had little ones like these students, but he hasn’t lost a step in teaching values—it was amazing to watch and participate in!
The Adopt-A-Pilot Program reaches more than 42,000 students nationwide, with lessons on careers, life values, and the importance of staying in school—all with an aviation twist. My greatest hope for these kids is that they not only learn the curriculum, but also gain valuable life skills. I strive to form a special trust with each kid; I want them to know they have an adult who cares about them and their personal success.
If you’re a Pilot, and you’ve been wondering if the AAP Program is really for you, I encourage you to jump right in! You will never be the same again, and neither will your students. I am already beginning to gear up for next year. I cannot over-emphasize the blessings I receive from being invited into the hearts and minds of these students, and the sincere gratitude I have toward Southwest Airlines for their willingness to invest in such a critical venture like the Adopt-a-Pilot Program—no monetary return, but something infinitely more valuable—the satisfaction of investing in the future of America. I am a better man and a better Southwest Pilot because of this program and our Company’s commitment to give from the heart to our communities.
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We have some remarkable People walking the halls of Southwest Airlines, working around the system, and flying in our aircraft over America’s skies. We work alongside individuals who have served in combat, downed enemy aircraft, and conducted covert missions deep behind enemy lines. Though they are from all walks of life, the central theme that runs through each of them is a deep understanding of sacrifice.
The meaning of sacrifice to our Veterans comes from the highest ideals of human nature—these are men and women who “give up and surrender something else for something considered more important or valuable”—many times even their very lives. I know Southwest Airlines Employees who’ve missed the births of their children or the deaths of their parents while away at war, all in sacrifice and service to their country. Their families sacrificed in their absence, knowing America’s freedom and way of life depends on their serving this great nation.
As moving and impactful as these examples of sacrifice are to me, one story stands out as an exemplary definition of sacrifice by one of our Employees. Houston Flight Manager Mike Penn was downed by a surface-to-air missile in Vietnam flying missions for the Navy and spent more than ten months in the Hanoi Hilton in North Vietnam. We were able to capture his unbelievable story and share it on Veterans Day a couple of years back. The three-part video series we originally filmed for our Pilots features Mike humbly recounting his story, which sounds eerily like a Hollywood movie script. As you watch each part of Mike’s journey, which I hope you will take the opportunity to sit down and view, and even share with your family and friends. The story will make you proud to be an American.
I am proud of our great Company and the emphasis that we place on honoring our Veterans throughout the entire month of November. Freedom certainly isn’t free, and if anyone understands the high value of sacrifice and service, it is our honored Veterans. If you see or know someone who has served this United States of America, please take a moment to thank them for their service.
November is Military Heroes Month at Southwest. Share your photos using #Sacrifice and #MilitaryHeroes.
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Very Cool Captain Ed! Congrats Geni!
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Caroline, this is so nice of you to say. Thank you for the kind words!
Brooks
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What a great article Ed! Good to see what you're up to these days. Hope to see you at the reunion this summer! ("Go Kadets!") 🙂
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