Spirit Magazine - October 2013 - (Page 159)

Community Outreach HAPPY TO HELP + Byron knows firsthand the impact made by RMH volunteers. Celebrating 30 Years of Service One Southwest Employee shares how and why he and his Coworkers help out at Ronald McDonald Houses. As a Southwest Airlines Employee who regularly volunteers at the Houston Ronald McDonald House, I interact with families who are facing what may be the biggest challenge of their lives— coping with their child’s serious illness. While those children receive medical treatment, the House provides families with a safe place to call home and meals that have been lovingly cooked by community volunteers. For the past 30 years, without fail, Southwest Employees have cooked meals for the Houston Ronald McDonald House on the second Tuesday of every month. I understand what these families are going through because I was in their shoes just a few years ago. My daughter, Paloma, and I stayed in the Houston House for nearly three months while she received treatment for cancer. When she passed away in 2011, I promised myself that I would take the time to help other children fighting serious illnesses. Now I use my vacation time and travel benefits to volunteer every month at the Houston House. For me, serving dinner there is about more than a meal—it reminds me of spending time with my daughter. Southwest began a relationship with Ronald McDonald House Charities in 1983 after Dick East, a now retired Southwest Captain, decided to volunteer his time there. Following the loss of his daughter to leukemia, Dick began volunteering at Houses in cities where he flew (including Houston) and often recruited Coworkers to join him. Now, thousands of Southwest Employees serve up LUV and laughter at Ronald McDonald Houses across the country. Every year in June and November, Southwest and AirTran Airways sponsor dinners at Houses in every city we serve. And in 2012 alone, Southwest and AirTran Employees donated more than 17,000 hours of volunteer time to the organization. Everyone knows when Southwest and AirTran visit the Houston House, because it’s not just dinner—it’s a party! My Fellow Employees and I bring food, music, our Fun-LUVing attitudes, and a passion for serving our community. For one evening each month, these families can forget about their worries and receive so much more than just a meal. —Phoenix Operations Agent Byron Marroquin OCTOBER 2013 SPIRIT 159

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - October 2013

Spirit Magazine - October 2013
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
The Numbers
Business
Be Here Now
Don’t Just Stand There
Your Adventure In San Jua
Promotional Series: Florida: Full of Surprises
Your Adventure In San Juan
Promotional Series: Focus on Women’s Health
Promotional Series: Focus on Franchises
Calendar
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Products & Services
Flight Service
Terminal Maps
Information
Rapid Rewards and A+ Rewards Partners
Route Map
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - October 2013