Southwest Airlines is selected for a third year in a row and is the only airline to be included in the prestigious list
DALLAS, TX – Nov. 15, 2011 – Southwest Airlines announced today that it has been designated a 2012 Top Military Friendly Employer® by G.I. Jobs. This marks the third consecutive year the Company has been included in the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers® list, which was drawn from a sample of 5,000 companies whose annual revenues exceeded $500 million. Criteria included the strength of company military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs, and company policies toward National Guard and Reserve service.
Some of Southwest’s most accomplished, dynamic up-and-coming Employees transitioned from the military. Southwest Airlines looks for “military alumni” who are smart, innovative, responsible, team players and team builders, all common traits for those who have worn our country’s military uniforms. Employees with military experience often cite their decision to join Southwest as a way to continue their service to the nation but in a different and challenging way.
“Our network is comprised of an amazing variety of backgrounds, experience, and uniqueness that gather together to form our Corporate Culture. This means Southwest benefits from richness in the diversity of ideas, knowledge, and actions,” said Jeff Lamb, Southwest Airlines’ Executive Vice President, Chief People and Administrative Officer. “Our success is directly linked to the best work-FORCE in the industry. We are proud of our Employees and we especially salute those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces.”
To honor its Employees and Customers who are currently serving or have served in the armed forces, Southwest Airlines is celebrating "Military Heroes Month" in November to show support for veterans and service members across the nation. By working with multiple nonprofit organizations throughout the month, the airline is saying thank you by giving back and helping to raise money to support military service members and their families.
Sample November Activities:
Nov. 23 - 26 - Home for the Holidays, San Diego
Southwest is partnering with Home for the Holidays (HFTH) to provide transportation for six Veterans and their families from their military base in San Diego to their family homes to share this special season together. HFTH is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to bring military families together during times of need, celebration, or life-changing events.
November - The Boot Campaign, Nationwide
Southwest has a strong relationship with The Boot Campaign, which provides an easy and tangible way for Americans to show appreciation for troops (both past and present), raise awareness of the challenges they face upon return, and donate funds to charities supporting their transition home. In early November, The Boot Campaign will debut a photo of Southwest Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly wearing his combat boots. Visit http://www.bootcampaign.com/mission.html
About Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has a long history of supporting the men and women who fight for our Freedoms. G.I. Jobs Magazine has named Southwest Airlines one of the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers. After 40 years of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low fare carriers--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 72 cities in 37 states, with the addition of Atlanta beginning Feb. 12, 2012. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/citizenship to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 37,000 Employees systemwide.
