US Airways - November 2013 - (Page 12)

embark Making It Happen behind the Scenes of Your Flight Honored to Salute US Airways gives the nation’s WWII heroes the welcome they deserve. by Davien Anderson ★ 12 november 2013 usairwaysmag.com photos by Max hirshfeld In September, US Airways had the privilege of celebrating the arrival of its 300th Honor Flight in Washington, DC. Eighty-five World War II veterans were on board to visit the memorial that pays tribute to their heroic service. For each Honor Flight, the airline’s employees at Reagan National Airport work hard to create a meaningful and memorable day. The day of an Honor Flight starts before the break of dawn for Christopher Blasie, assistant manager of Clubs and executive services for US Airways. “Our teams at Reagan National give their all to ensure that each Honor Flight is unique and a special day for our heroes,” Blasie says. “It’s the details that make the difference.” Blasie leads an army of employees, each charged with a specific role, to deliver an unforgettable welcome for the veterans. A volunteer 18-piece band plays the Star Spangled Banner in the terminal. Members of the Do Crew, US Airways’ employee volunteer corps, are scattered around the gate area hanging red, white, and blue decorations and passing out Honor Flight buttons. US Airways ramp agents, the eyes and ears on the ground, are busy preparing to marshal in the Honor Flight aircraft. As the plane rolls down the taxiway, a water cannon erupts in salute. The gate area is packed with customers and US Airways employees awaiting the opportunity to shake hands with the veterans. As the first veteran steps off the plane, the crowd bursts into cheers and applause. “We do it because we love it. We do it because it’s the right thing to do,” says Carole Cloyd, a former US Airways employee at Reagan National. She retired in July, but returned for the 300th Honor Flight. For the US Airways employees who welcome Honor Flights, it’s all about showing respect and paying thanks. “You can’t buy what we do,” says Jeff Miller, cofounder of the Honor Flight Network, the organization that provides the trips to veterans free of charge. “It’s an honor to spend this time with our heroes who created history.” visit youtube.com/usairways to see highlights from US Airways’ 300th Honor Flight. US Airways volunteers prepare for arrival and greet veterans. Bottom left, clockwise from left: Carole Cloyd, Christopher blasie, Greg Locher, Kathy Walentowicz, and Patty Pryor oversee the Honor Flight’s welcome. http://www.youtube.com/usairways http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - November 2013

Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: A Caribbean Christmas
Hub Crawl: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Wine & Dine: Mead
Wine & Dine: Smith & Wollensky
Wine & Dine: Silver Oak Winery
Style Spotlight: Holiday fashion for men and women
Great Escapes: Nova Scotia
Great Escapes: Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg
Adventure: Cyclocross
Adventure: Wandering Manhattan
Gear Up: Time, Space, and Labor Savers
Travel Feature: Madrid, Bite by Bite
Carolinas Aviation Museum
Destination 48: Phoenix
Military Colleges and Schools
University Spotlight: Auburn University
Best of Health: Miami Beach Foot and Ankle Surgery
Must Read: Running Like a Girl
Great Dates
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
Giving: Carolinas Freedom Foundation
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - November 2013