"By the mid 1970's, the second most decorated air force in the world was a little outfit from Texas...."
LZ Southwest Airlines: Walking the Walk to Support Vietnam Vets
LZ Southwest Airlines: Walking the Walk to Support Vietnam Vets
Southwest Airlines wasn't originally on the production schedule, but by the time the mission
ended we had learned that this is a company with a story worth telling. Now one of the most
successful airlines in the world, Southwest built its company with "25-year-old pilots who
had the experience of 45-year-old pilots." When most companies were avoiding hiring
Vietnam veterans, Herb Kelleher was different. Southwest Airlines was supporting veterans
long before it was cool to support veterans. And they supported this mission, too. With no
request for anything in return, Southwest Airlines quietly flew scores of family members and
veterans to ITSOTB Landing Zones. They didn't ask to have their logo on anything. They
didn't ask to be publicly recognized. And they certainly didn't ask for this endorsement, but
we would like to tell you: If you want to support a company that supports veterans, fly SWA!
A Letter From Our SWA Angel:
At Southwest Airlines, the business philosophy is "If you believe in it, then you have the
power to make it happen." That was put to the test for me a few months ago when I was
contacted by the Shadow crew. They were looking for support of any kind and as I listened
to them explain the project, I could hear the passion in their voices and it wasn't long
before that passion seeped into my heart and I began researching ways to offer them
support.
I went to my director with what I thought was an unrealistic request given the environment
we're in. I explained the project and the meaning behind it. When I was done, my director
simply said "If you believe in it, then you have the power to make it happen." And I did.
The past few months have been nothing short of amazing. To thank Southwest for its
support, the crew flew the Huey to Southwest's headquarters for an event to honor our
veterans. As that beautiful helicopter swooped out over the building, the entire crowd
gasped and a thousand hearts began to thump in rhythm with the blades. That day brought
tears to everyone's eyes and much-deserved recognition to all of Southwest's veterans.
I had the personal honor to ride in the Huey and I, a journalism major and former reporter,
can't even find words to explain that experience. Thank you, Shadow Crew, for allowing
Southwest Airlines to be a part of this project. The privilege is ours.
Angela Vargo
Southwest Airlines
ended we had learned that this is a company with a story worth telling. Now one of the most
successful airlines in the world, Southwest built its company with "25-year-old pilots who
had the experience of 45-year-old pilots." When most companies were avoiding hiring
Vietnam veterans, Herb Kelleher was different. Southwest Airlines was supporting veterans
long before it was cool to support veterans. And they supported this mission, too. With no
request for anything in return, Southwest Airlines quietly flew scores of family members and
veterans to ITSOTB Landing Zones. They didn't ask to have their logo on anything. They
didn't ask to be publicly recognized. And they certainly didn't ask for this endorsement, but
we would like to tell you: If you want to support a company that supports veterans, fly SWA!
A Letter From Our SWA Angel:
At Southwest Airlines, the business philosophy is "If you believe in it, then you have the
power to make it happen." That was put to the test for me a few months ago when I was
contacted by the Shadow crew. They were looking for support of any kind and as I listened
to them explain the project, I could hear the passion in their voices and it wasn't long
before that passion seeped into my heart and I began researching ways to offer them
support.
I went to my director with what I thought was an unrealistic request given the environment
we're in. I explained the project and the meaning behind it. When I was done, my director
simply said "If you believe in it, then you have the power to make it happen." And I did.
The past few months have been nothing short of amazing. To thank Southwest for its
support, the crew flew the Huey to Southwest's headquarters for an event to honor our
veterans. As that beautiful helicopter swooped out over the building, the entire crowd
gasped and a thousand hearts began to thump in rhythm with the blades. That day brought
tears to everyone's eyes and much-deserved recognition to all of Southwest's veterans.
I had the personal honor to ride in the Huey and I, a journalism major and former reporter,
can't even find words to explain that experience. Thank you, Shadow Crew, for allowing
Southwest Airlines to be a part of this project. The privilege is ours.
Angela Vargo
Southwest Airlines
"We are proud to recognize Herb Kelleher and Southwest Airlines
for hiring Veteran's from the Vietnam War".
Daniel DeLa Rosa/President
The Ohio Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Park
for hiring Veteran's from the Vietnam War".
Daniel DeLa Rosa/President
The Ohio Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Park