You are not seeing double in the title.  March 12, 2010 is an important day at Southwest Airlines. No, we’re not starting service to a new city today, and we’re not launching a new product; it’s a way bigger deal than any of that.  March 12 is the shared birthday of two of the most important men in Southwest Airlines history: Gary Kelly and Herb Kelleher! 

I never thought I’d see the day.  My New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl. I know I speak for every native New Orleanian (and even some folks who just love to root for the underdog) when I say I can’t remember a more joyous time in the city.  I’ve lived through 32 Mardi Gras and have never felt the pure love and celebration that I have felt during this entire football season.

It’s right there in our Mission Statement: “The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit,” and let me tell you—we take that part about Company Spirit very seriously. In fact, we take it very literally.

Imagine going to a Company event and walking out with the experience of a lifetime.

That’s what happened to six lucky SWA Employees who won the grand prizes at our 2009 Messages to the Field--a trip for them and a guest to visit the Boeing factory in Seattle and accept delivery of a brand new SWA airplane!

Ever watch those reality shows like Survivor, Fear Factor, and even I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here and think “there is no way I could eat those bugs and worms”?

Well, look out Sanjaya, because I ate 3 crickets, 1 wax worm, and 3 meal worms, not to mention some cricket artichoke dip and mango waxworm chutney!

I’m serious.