Karen:
In the points you make, and very well I might add, about DCA- AUS, I would make the same points about going forward with a formal request with the United States Department of Transportation for permission to fly nonstop SMF - DCA. As you mention, but let me put it in a Sacramento persprective, as your point has the same merits for Sacramento, in that, "The DCA - SMF market is currently underserved and overpriced, with inadequate travel options for those wanting to fly between these two capital cities." Your point is right on key, at least from a personal perspective coming from Sacramento. As you may now well be aware, SMF opened its new State-of-the-Art Central Terminal B to the traveling public back on Thursday 06 September 2011, and back on Tuesday 06 March 2012, the Sacramento City Council approved, by a 7-2 vote an agreed upon "term sheet" to construct a new Entertainment Sports Complex in its Downtwon Railyards and Amtrak Station. As the Capital of California, it would be the Capital of the eighth largest economy of the world, had California been its own country. That being said, and California still leading the nation in population over any other state in this great country of ours, it is my hope that Southwest Airlines would consider such an application with the U.S.D.O.T. to provide such nonstop service SMF - DCA for some great Capitol-to-Capitol service. I would step up my "game" on the marketing side of things, if this were to happen, and let folks know about it. In the meantime, we all have to help each other in some way, shape, or form. That being said, I have already signed the petition to be forwarded to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for Southwest to pursue the AUS - DCA nonstop Capitol-to-Capitol service, and am always willing to help Southwest on any of its planned new routes. In conclusion, would you help me, and the Sacramento Region with this proposal I have put through to you today in this blog? Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mike Barnbaum, Blogger & Rapid Rewards Member in Sacramento, California
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Last week, working with the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation (NJAMF) and Honor Flight, Southwest Airlines transported about 150 Veterans and their guests to the Congressional Gold Medal celebration in Washington, D.C. The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor. It is bestowed by the United States Congress, which awarded the medal to the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence for their unparalleled Patriotism and dedicated service during World War II. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team fought for our country nearly 70 years ago and went on to become one of the most highly decorated units in U.S. Military History. The Congressional Gold Medal states in part, "The United States remains forever indebted to the bravery, valor, and dedication to country that these men faced while fighting a two-front battle of discrimination at home and fascism abroad. Their commitment demonstrates a highly uncommon and commendable sense of patriotism and honor." During a dark time in our country’s history when Americans were discriminating against, and interning, Japanese Americans, these three units bravely fought for their fellow country men's and women’s freedom. It was humbling to be among these gentle warriors, most of whom are in their 80s. They were quiet as their proud family members recounted war stories that their dads had shared with them. One daughter told me that Southwest’s ticket donations were especially meaningful because, when these soldiers returned home after serving in WWII, many were not even allowed to ride on buses. Another Vet teared up at the end of the story he was telling me as he thought of his many friends and comrades who never returned. It was truly an honor to be in the presence of this distinguished group of veterans. A huge thank you goes to Kim Delevett, who established and has grown our relationship with the NJAMF. It was a privilege for Kim and I to represent Southwest and help celebrate this important, well-deserved honor.
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