LUV is on the Air

With all the media talk and the congressional hearing today, I can’t help but have Southwest Airlines on my heart. Today our Executive Chairman, Herb Kelleher, and CEO Gary Kelly are scheduled to testify in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing. We've been anticipating this day for a while now. All of Southwest is waiting with bated breath to hear the outcome of the hearing; however, this hits a little closer to home with me. Being in the Maintenance department, our area is directly involved in all of the FAA findings, safety checks, AD Reviews and Southwest self disclosure.

However, in an attempt to lift our spirits around the office, I thought I’d post some pictures from my journey with Southwest Airlines thus far.

My third week on the job I had the opportunity to go to Austin to the annual Manager/Director meeting and Awards Banquet. It was three full days of pure CRAZINESS! The other admins and myself volunteered with the Salvation Army, set up meetings, and put together the entire Awards Banquet. Here I am with our Executive Chairman, Herb Kelleher, at the Cattle Barron's Ball! I consider myself lucky as some Southwest Employees have waited up to 10 years to meet this legend!

December is a very busy month here at Southwest Airlines. We have a Deck Party to kick off the holiday season, an Adult Christmas Party where we all get dressed up and a Children’s Christmas Party where we let loose and play with the kids! Here I am at the Deck Party with my boss, Katherine or KP for short. At the Deck Party our VP dresses up like Santa and his Directors dress up like elves. Then they all sing a wonderful rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas," edited with airline lingo of course!

Southwest Airlines hosts a Children's Christmas Party for all the children and grandchildren of the Maintenance Employees. Last year I was elected to play the part of the female elf. To this day, Tyler, the son of our Executive Assistant Kim, still refers to me as "Nat the Elf." We've had numerous discussions on what Santa's been up to since he came to visit during Christmas. I'm pictured here with Cash, the son of another Admin, Jaclyn.

I recently celebrated my 6 month anniversary with the LUV Airlines! We celebrated the momentous occasion with tons of food (as always) and the presentation of my 6 month pin. Yeah for no longer being on probation!