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A Salute for USS Blog Boy!

blusk
Aviator C
Francisco Delgado, our own USS Blog Boy, returned home to Albuquerque for a well-deserved two-week leave before his ship, the USS Nimitz, sets sail for the Persian Gulf for an extended stay.  (For the rest of the post, I am going to use Albuquerque's airport code ABQ, because I never trust myself to spell the city correctly.)  To greet and meet Francisco, a group (Shelley Logan, Hollee Ford, Paula Berg, and me) from the Blog Team here in Dallas flew to ABQ to meet his flight.  Francisco didn't have a clue about what was going on until he stepped off the airplane in ABQ, and we even got his parents, Yolanda and Jesus, in on the surprise. ABQ's local Culture Committee decorated the gate area with balloons and banners that read "Francisco Delgado Appreciation Day."  Colleen had selected a model of New Mexico One for us to present to Francisco, and we had members of the Blog Team, including Colleen, and our ABQ Station Employees autograph a Southwest Airlines soccerfrancisco-autographed-ball.JPG ball for him as well.  On top of that, the great folks at Outback Steakhouse donated a dinner for four to Francisco and his family.  (Francisco, don't make your mom cook every night you are home!)  Of course, we also had to contribute a bag of our official snack, candy corn.  As USS Blog Boy stepped out of the jetbridgefrancisco-deplanes.JPG, he was greeted with cheers of appreciation from a sizeable group of our ABQ Employees and the Customers waiting in the gate area, followed by hugs from his mom, dad, and sister, April.  francisco-employees.JPGHe even became a local television star when ABQ's ABC affiliate interviewed Francisco on his way to baggage claim. Of course, the joy of his homecoming was tinged with the sadness that he will soon be gone for eight months, but you can track Francisco and the Nimitz through the ship's web site which is linked on the right of this page under "Link LUV."  Incidentally, the Nimitz is Nuts About Southwest's "official ship."  Francisco has promised to contribute to the blog during his deployment, and we look forward to heaaring from him. There was one other surprise that night, and it was on us.  When we boarded the flight home for Dallas, one of our Flight Attendants was another blogger, Carole Adams.  During the flight, my fellow bloggers commented on the fact that Southwest (and this blog) really is a part of our Customers' lives, and we are truly honored by that.  Our low fares and our great Employees make it possible for servicemen like Francisco to visit their families, and while we can't salute each of them individually, they are all in our thoughts.  Besides our visit with USS Blog Boy reminding us of the dedication of the men and women who are in uniform, it also brought home the fact that, like the Delgado's, there are families franciscos-family.JPGat home waiting for their return.  Nuts About Southwest wishes Godspeed to Francisco and the Nimitz.
75 Comments
Jeramy_Brian1
Adventurer B
USS blog boy: Thank you for your service to our country. I appreciate all of our millitary men and women for their dedication and sacrifice to defend our freedom. PS- Have you gone on a date with Leah yet???8)
slogan
Adventurer C
It was so much fun meeting you and your family, Francisco! Take care, and keep in touch!! Ditto to what Jeramy said: thank you for your service...we're so grateful to have you and all of our military fighting for freedom. We're looking forward to seeing you in Hawaii when you return to the U.S.! 😃
Vicki4
Explorer C
What a great way to show appreciation to just one of thousands of young men and women who are serving our country. It's too bad this can't be done for each and every one. Thanks, Francisco, for being one of many to stand up for all of us at home. We appreciate all you do.
FriendofBlogBoy
Frequent Flyer B
Francisco, WOW!! I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor and celebration than USS Blog Boy!! There is absolutely NO WAY that any of us civilians can ever express our deep appreciation and gratitude for the service that you and all of the members of our outstanding military render to our country and each one of us on a daily basis. Untold thousands of men and women put their lives on the line every day that they go to work, and in fact, for many of them, every second of their lives finds them in harm's way. We are all immensely proud of each one of our uniformed patriots, but especially of YOU, Francisco. Your desire to stay connected to us through the blog and to let us in on a small glimpse of life aboard the U. S. S. Nimitz is wonderful. Have you convinced the Captain to paint the sides of the ship canyon blue yet? A very large standing ovation also needs to go to the AWESOME folks at Southwest who organized this welcome home gift for you. Colleen, Brian, Shelley, Hollee and Paula, plus the ABQ gang, all deserve big hugs for their thoughtfulness and special expressions of LUV. Is there any other airline in the world that does things like this for its Customers? Y'all are the BEST! Enjoy your time at home, Francisco, as short as it may seem, but please know that when you return to the Nimitz and wherever your journeys take you in the next eight months, you will NEVER be alone, because a part of the Southwest family, both internal and external, will ALWAYS be with you! Best wishes always, External Blog Boy Kim 🙂
GNA
Explorer C
Welcome home Francisco! Enjoy your time with your family and friends. Thanks for your service...take care of my Navy for me! And thanks to SWA for taking such good care of our USS Blog Boy. Gina Former YN, USN 1993-2000
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Glad to see that the candy corn was placed in a box marked fragile. I wouldn't want to see it damaged. Why wasn't Leah invited? Enjoy your time at home USS Blogboy! You'll be back home again before you know it. In the meantime, enjoy your tour of parts of the world! I know my dad enjoyed all the places he got to see while aboard the Glennon-the Virgin islands and others. ABC,123, Ding! fares for you to see. Ding! boy Joe Friedmann
Jim13
Adventurer C
Wow - what a cool story. I'm sure USS Blog Boy was more than just a little surprised to see Blog Boy himself and the other members of the SWA blog team when he got of the plane. And I echo the sentiments of others about our appreciation for your service. You and hundreds of thousands of others in the US Military go places you don't want to go, do things you don't want to do, just so we can live in the greatest country in the world. Thanks Francisco. Thanks all of you who proudly wear the uniform.
jmalone
Adventurer A
Brian - what a GREAT way to welcome Francisco home!! I'm glad that we will be able to follow his journey at the ship's website, that will be a fun way to pass some time. Francisco: I'm looking forward to reading your contributions. WELCOME HOME! James 🙂
Erin7
Explorer B
Francisco, Welcome home Erin
angela
Adventurer C
Hi Francisco - I was so bummed to miss your appreciation/celebration but I had a nasty run-in with an icy hill recently...the icy hill won and I'm off my feet for awhile. Thanks for all you do and take care...keep us updated when you can! Angela
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
Brian, Southwest and the rest of the bloggers, Thank you for making my trip home such a special one. My mom has cooked for me every night and yes i proudly gained some weight. I will be leaving here this Saturday and it is going to be a hard good bye. My family means the world to me and i could not function without their prayers and their support. By the way the little girl in the picture is my niece , her name is Laela. She is special to me because she is my first niece. I am humbled and honored to serve our country in these historic times. I know these times are challenging but i know that our country can get through it. Thanks for your support for us and I love each and everyone one of you beyond words. GO SOUTHWEST!! USS BLOG BOY
Cindy9
Adventurer C
Welcome home Francisco!! I also want you to know how much all you do means to me.. You are our very own USS Blog Boy HERO!! Once again all of you great people at Southwest have gone way above and beyond to show just how much you care.. Francisco, I hope you have an absolutely wonderful time at home with your family and friends and as always I will be looking forward to reading any and all updates from you while your away.. Sending you all some heartfelt ((((((((((hugs))))))))))!! PS: so, why no Leah?? lolol
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Thanks for all you do, Francisco! Welcome home. 🙂
Jeramy_Brian1
Adventurer B
You guys should do a new USS Blogboy post when Francisco gets back from his next trip on The Nimitz. It could include pictures of him and Leah on their first date in Albuquerque eating at a restaurant that serves green chili and candy corn. That would be a fun one to read about. 😎
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
COLLEEN... IF YOU READ THIS THANKS FOR NEW MEXICO ONE... Sorry guys no Leah.. I think she was stuck in Oklahoma (OKC). 🙂 Cindy AND KIM thanks for the hug and your kind words. I continue to be humbled by all of the new friends i have met through this blog. BRIAN MY SISTER AND I ATE THE WHOLE BAG OF CANDY CORN... Well to be honest my sister ate most of it since she is with child. I miss u guys and i will see you soon.. USS BLOG BOY
blusk
Aviator C
USS Blog Boy That's okay, tell April that candy corn is an excellent source of sugar! Colleen will read your comments, and we showed her pictures from the trip. Blog Boy
Eric15
Explorer A
USS Blog Boy, I hope you have had and continue to have a great leave. Once you head back for your Cruise I hope for you to have continuous Fair Winds and Following Seas. I truly appreciate your service and those of your brothers and sisters in all the Armed Services. From a fellow former squid Eric H
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
Brian, I THINK YOU SHOULD SERVE CANDY CORN IN FLIGHT... THEY ARE MY NEW FAVORITE... BY THE WAY COLLEENS AUTOGRAPH IS ALREADY GOING FOR 1MILLION DOLLARS ON E-BAY!!! 🙂 LOL... USS BLOG BOY
Michael__The_Di
Explorer C
USS BLOG BOY, THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO. BECAUSE OF YOU I HAVE FREEDOM. OH AND BY THE WAY, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO TAKE LEAH OUT ON A DATE BEFORE YOU LEAVE. #1 USS BLOG BOY FAN
Phil_Willman
Adventurer C
FRAN-CIS-CO!! FRAN-CIS-CO!! FRAN-CIS-CO!! Way to go Blog Team! What an awesome way to welcome home our Blog Hero! Francisco, I echo the sentiments of all your friends here. Thank you. Thank you for serving this country, for protecting its citizens, and for reminding us all that we still have our freedoms because of efforts of brave men and women like you. Truly, you are a Hero.
FriendofBlogBoy
Frequent Flyer B
Francisco, Big deal. What I want to know is how high the bidding has gotten for Brian's autograph? Kim 🙂
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
For you that don't know Michael O'DONNELL IS also in the Navy, he used to be on the Nimitz but he broke his foot playing basketball. Michael is 6 foot something, is from Philadelphia, dislikes the eagles and is a major cowboys fan. Michael hopes to attend San Diego State University and major in math. Phil, thanks for your words. uss blog boy
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
Kim, Brian's autograph is worth 2 million and a bag of candy corn..
FriendofBlogBoy
Frequent Flyer B
USS Blog Boy, I'm a bit short on cash, would you take a book of SW Drink Coupons instead? External Blog Boy 🙂
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Actually, I'm in TUL. There's certainly nothing wrong with OKC. 🙂 Francisco would probably run if he saw me. Ha, ha! 🙂
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
OKC, TUL all the same .. great state from what i hear.. Leah do not be so hard on yourself... Kim i am sorry to inform you but this Navy boy does not drink anything but water and juice.... okay i had a little coke since beeing home... i wouldn't mind honey roasted peanuts... USS BLOG BOY
pcerda
Adventurer B
Francisco, How much would candy corn signed by Brian go for on Ebay? Welcome home! Let me know if you get routed through Phoenix on your way home! Jedi Blog Master (New title thanks to Jeramy Brian) Paco Cerda
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Why? did Kim run away when he saw you Leah? D R 2 Created by rd2 Ding! boy 😉
Marie2
Explorer C
This comment isn't actually about the post, but rather about a meeting I had with a Southwest employee the other day in the airport. This blog seems one of the better ways of expressing my gratitude. As a student coming home for spring break, I had two very heavy suitcase/bags with me. I had a pretty method of dealing with both of them however, so I wasn't too worried. Getting off the at the Midway CTA stop, I was slowly but surely making my way to the check-in area when the handle on my suitcase broke. As you may have guessed, my progress so far was pretty much dependent on this little handle. And although I wasn't far from the check-in area, it definitely felt like quite a distance with my two heavy (and one overweight as it turned out) bags. I was seriously contemplating dragging the two bags along behind me, when a passer-by stopped and offered to help. I cannot say enough how grateful I was for his help. He helped carry one of my bags and we managed to drag the suitcase all the way to the Southwest counter. He was, as it turned out, one of your employees! A DAL Field Technician, Jeff Cady was I'm sure at the airport with his own business to attend to. But he took the time and energy to help a really frazzled student. I know it may sound cliched, but really, so many people passed me in that hallway and none offered to help. So I can't express enough again how grateful I am for Mr. Cady's help. I used to fly Southwest because the prices are the best, but now I can also say I'll keep flying Southwest because I know at least one employee is also a great human being. Thank you again Mr. Cady and I hope Southwest recognizes what a wonderful person they have employed on their team.
blusk
Aviator C
Young Skywalker, I am your father. Darth Vader Seriously, may the force be with you, Jedi Blog Master
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
PACO CERDA JEDI BLOG MASTER.... YES I WILL BE STOPPING IN PHX FOR THE NIGHT TO SEE SOME FRIENDS.. THIS SATURDAY I AM ON FLIGHT 783 FROM ABQ TO PHX ARRIVE IN PHX AT 7:30PM THEN I LEAVE PHX ON SUNDAY flight 434 TO SAN 2:40PM.. I hope to meet you or anyone in PHX THAT BLOGS.. Hope to c u guys soon.... USS BLOG BOY
mhennes
Explorer B
Wow, Francisco! I was in ABQ this morning, and got back just in time to read that I had missed out on the fun!! I know your visit home will be way too brief for both you and your family, but the cool thing about our families - we take them with us everywhere...land, sea, and sky. (Thanks the the comments on my post - you're right, I'm also blessed with a great family, which includes a Sailor and a Marine!) I'm looking forward to hearing whatever you can tell us about life on the Nimitz - 'til then, Godspeed to you and all of those in uniform!!
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Water, especially flavored, & juice are good. Of course, I don't mix the two. Ha, ha. 🙂 Yes, Oklahoma is a great state! TUL & OKC are great cities, too, definitely! Nope, Joe; Kim didn't run away when he saw me. 🙂
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
This is referring back to Jeramy's comment on pictures of me on a date with Francisco-that's a good one, Jeramy! I LUV it! 🙂
Michael__The_Di
Explorer C
USS BLOG BOY, NOBODY LIKES THE COWGIRLS AND I DIDN'T BREAK MY ANKLE PLAYING BASKETBALL. I BROKE IT CARRYING YOU UP SOME STEPS BECAUSE YOU WERE TO INTOXICATED TO WALK ON YOUR OWN. ME MAJORING IN MATH I CALCULATED YOU WERE ABOUT 12 DRINKS OVER YOUR LIMIT BUT APPARENTLY YOU DONT DRINK SO WE CAN KEEP IT OUR LITTLE SECRET. #2(ONLY BEHIND LEAH) USS BLOG BOY FAN
FriendofBlogBoy
Frequent Flyer B
Hey USS Blog Boy, Wow, a fellow non-drinker -- very cool! My father-in-law teases me because as a graduate of UT, I live up to our old nickname of the T-sippers, an intended slur from our cross-state buddies in College Station who wanted those early Texas students to seem less manly with the image of them sitting around "sipping tea". Much like our mentor and spoiler of the class curve, Mr. Lusk, I, too am addicted to a substance, although mine is liquid in nature. I inherited from my Dad a life-long love of Coca-Cola, and I'm guessing that some day, I'll be found in the ICU unit of a Dallas hospital with a large IV bag of Coke attached to my arm as a life-support mechanism. Joe, Believe me, Leah is certainly not to run away from, and I definitely did not. She is a very attractive young lady, who as I pointed out somewhere else on the blog, is a great hugger and a wonderful conversationalist. But, please don't feel challenged or envious, Francisco, it was purely platonic. She is, after all, my daughter's age! Paco, Speaking of my daughter and your newfound title (congratulations, by the way), when she was in junior high, my firstborn spent several summers taking riding lessons at a stable near our house. She absolutely loved doing that, almost as much as she loved a series of sci-fi movies that were in their early days of popularity. So, it seemed fitting that we combined her two loves and got her a shirt that featured a large equestrian image and the words "May the Horse be with you!" External Blog Boy and Tea-sipper friend of Leah's 🙂
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
USS BLOG BOY HAS BEEN DEFAMED.... I SHOULDN'T WASTE MY TIME RESPONDING TO ACCUSATIONS BUT I FEEL THE NEED TO. MICHAEL O'DONNELL AND I WERE AT SEAU'S IN SAN DIEGO ONE NIGHT, IT WAS ACTUALLY THE NIGHT THAT TONY ROMO DROPPED THE SNAP.. I KNOW.. I KNOW PAINFUL MEMORIES. AS SOON AS TONY DROPPED THE BALL MICHAEL STARTED CRYING AND HE TURNED TO DRINKING.. I HAVE PICTURES.. I WAS UPSET AS WELL BUT I DID NOT DRINK AS I WAS THE DESIGNATED DRIVER FOR MICHAEL. MICHAEL'S ANKLE WAS ALREADY BROKE, HE BROKE IT A YEAR AND THREE MONTHS AGO WHILE PLAYING BASKETBALL ON OUR SHIP. HE ISN'T VERY GOOD THAT IS WHY HE BROKE IT. HE LEFT OUR SHIP BECAUSE OF HIS INJURY. SADLY MICHAEL IS NOT ABLE TO GO OUT TO SEA WITH US ANYMORE OR ON DEPLOYMENT FOR THAT MATTER. AT LEAST HE SERVES HIS COUNTRY BY ROOTING FOR THE COWBOYS. AS FOR ME AND MY DRINKING.. YES I USED TO BE A DRINKER. I QUIT DRINKING A MONTH AND A HALF AGO FOR SPIRITUAL REASONS AND BECAUSE USUALLY NOTHING GOOD COMES OUT OF DRINKING... ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS WILL BE DIRECTED TO MY LAWYER GO COWBOYS USS BLOG BOY
Phil_Willman
Adventurer C
Kim, let me guess, her favorite horse was Han Foal-o.....
blusk
Aviator C
Oh USS Blog Boy, why did you have to mention "The Snap"? A dark night in Cowboy's history! And Kim, EBB, I can't tell you how disappointed I am with you. A man who espouses Texas and all it's virtues, and you drink a soft drink from GEORG IA???? Although USS Blog Boy and I are native New Mexicans, my parents are proud Texans, and my mom's grandfather first fed me the official drink of Texas, Dr. Pepper back when the idea of a computer was only a gleam in the eyes of those working at IBM. Blog (and Dr. Pepper) Boy
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
Sorry for mentioning the snap.... i know it was a dark day in cowboys history... we will come back bigger and better than last year.. USS BLOG BOY
FriendofBlogBoy
Frequent Flyer B
Well, Mr. Blog Boy, You've shown just how "true" and "devoted" a disciple you are of the native Texas drink. As all good and loyal Texans know, "Dr Pepper" does not have a period after the "Dr". And you call yourself a Pepper? I'm shocked.... Just how many times have YOU been to THE museum ( http://www.drpeppermuseum.com/ ) in Waco? Just for your information, you immigrant, I also drink Dr Pepper and enjoy it. In fact, back before you had probably ever heard of Texas, I was drinking a very regional version during the winter. Have you ever savored the taste of hot Dr Pepper with lemon slices floating on top? Then you haven't lived, my friend! Besides, even if Coke was born and is headquartered in Georgia, that ain't such a bad state. After all, my daughter lives there a hundred miles or so from Atlanta, and that gives me the chance to visit WOCCA ( http://www.woccatlanta.com/ ) every so often! I'd love to stay and chat longer, but all this talk has me thirsty for a cold glass of the Real Thing, and a glance at my clock tells me that it is almost 2, which means you'll be stopping for your 10 - 2 - 4 Dr Pepper break as well. Cheers! External Blog Boy 🙂
Phil_Willman
Adventurer C
Preach it Brother Brian! Dr Pepper forever!
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Another non drinker here! Mrs dingboy doesn't drink nor do the dinglets, though both dinglets are addicted to v8 splash smoothies. I like Faygo pop. Upgrade now for richer, superior wireless service. Ding Boy :-)
blusk
Aviator C
Dear External Blog Boy, You are showing your lack of Texas roots. Dr Pepper had a period after the Dr. up until the 60s. When I learned to drink it, the bottles said Dr. Pepper. I haven't been to the museum in Waco but once. However, we make the pilgrimage to Dublin (Texas nor Ireland, Erin) at least three times a year because they still make Dr Pepper with ... I have had hot lemon Dr Pepper, and I have also had Dr Pepper in the UK. Blog and Dr Pepper Boy
FriendofBlogBoy
Frequent Flyer B
Dear Dr Pepper Boy, Ya know, with the drought we had last year, my roots are suffering a bit. But, since you were wise enough to know about the Dublin version, then I'll concede that you must be a True Pepper. Coca-Cola Boy P. S. Okay, Alex, err, Brian, for $500..."he appeared in the Dr Pepper commercials, singing and dancing, claiming that he was a Pepper." Who am I talking about? No fair Googling the answer...
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Yes, Kim's right! I'm 30; well, really I'm 30 & 1/2. I would really LUV to find someone, though. Kim, my dad likes Coke, especially bottled. I like it too, but don't drink pop like I used to. I remember when my parents & I were in Israel, the pop cans were smaller. Well, maybe they were bigger; now I forgot. I want Colleen & Brian's autograph! I have Rose's (a CSA at MDW, who's on Airline) autograph on a boarding pass. I have a picture of us, too! 🙂
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
I'm a non-drinker, too; I forgot to add that. By the way, Joe, who is Ms. Dingboy? Ha, ha. I'm curious. 🙂
Jim_O_Donnell
Explorer C
my son is no cowboys fan
pcerda
Adventurer B
Kim, Thanks! I was thrilled when I got the news! I just have to figure out my bio and get Paula a nice little pic. I gotta think of a cool first blog too! Francisco, I'm night shift - 4:30 pm to 1am. Breakfast on Sunday maybe? Jedi Blog Master
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
DR.PEPPER IS BAD FOR YOU...... H2O ALL THE WAY USS HEALTH BOY