Saluting Our Troops
As Delta's CEO, one of my most important jobs is listening. I hear on a daily basis from our customers, employees and many others who pass along their feedback, praise, criticism and ideas. As busy as I am, I always devote time to read the emails I receive every day.
One in particular stood out last year. It was a note from an active member of the military asking if we would ever consider recognizing individuals traveling on orders. My first reaction was that it was a great idea, but that we could do even more. We soon began testing and then implemented a new policy putting active-duty U.S. military service members near the front of the boarding line.
It's our way of thanking them for their service and honoring the sacrifices that so many of them make. As a frequent Delta traveler, I'm quietly thrilled every time I hear this announcement, particularly when our service members are thanked (and sometimes applauded) by their fellow travelers as they board.
This is just one of the ways we support members of the military as well as our veterans. About 3,000 Delta people are members of the U.S. armed forces, and about 12,000 veterans are employed at Delta. To honor them, along with the countless veterans among our customers and partners, we have a variety of initiatives, including:
- The Delta Honor Guard, a volunteer group that meets incoming flights and pays respect to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country;
- Delta's Veterans Business Resource Group, which provides professional development and networking opportunities to more than 1,400 employees as well as families who served and are serving in our armed forces;
- Supporting the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, the highest award for valor in action, which is generally presented by the U.S. president in the name of Congress;
- A long partnership with the Fisher House Foundation, which supports injured service members and their families as they seek medical care;
- Donations to Marine Toys for Tots, including employee contributions and the work of the Delta TechOps team to build 1,000 bikes for kids;
- Support for the USO through sponsorship and volunteer work in cities nationwide, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, NYC, Seattle and Detroit.
Honoring our service members and veterans and their families for their sacrifices has long been part of Delta's DNA, and it's inspiring to see how many of our customers join us in these efforts.
This month, we're honoring them by matching customer-donated miles to Fisher House Foundation's Hero Miles program and Luke's Wings up to a total of 10 million miles through SkyWish, the charitable arm of SkyMiles,
If you're one of the brave service members boarding early on your Delta flight, thank you for your service and sacrifice.
U.S. Army Active Duty Soldier
5 年Your company holds a special place in my heart. I usually am accountable for my items but a small inconsistency on my part led to me leaving my suit on my flight from Austin to ATL today. I thanked you personnel but think you should know the quality of staff you have. I left my suit on the flight on accident but after noticing it, it was returned to me before my connecting flight to Louisville. Thank you for instilling in your employees, customers first. Your tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. From Austin to Louisville, thank you. I.e. I hope o get an opportunity to ride the “Thank You” aircraft.
Linguist translator/interpretor at International Rescue Committee (IRC). Actor in International Rescue Committee (IRC).
5 年Hello Sir, my Name is Evans. I'm in Seattle Washington. I'm insearch for an inflight attendant job.
Artist
5 年Thank you Delta fur honoring our military . Do you also have a Senior Director of Military Programs ?
Paralegal and Key Client Manager at Hauptman Ham, LLP
5 年Chief, I am a Chinese-American traveler. About one year ago my LinkedIn friend posted some of your articles and it impressed me: short and to the point! May I raise my hand here and ask one question—Will Delta consider to help donation organizations to transfer medical supplies (N95 masks, etc.) to help China beat the Coronavirus? Our D.C. Chinese-American organizations sincerely hope Delta considers it. Thank you for listening.
Strategic Director
5 年It is an honor to fly Delta! As I transition from my military duties, I will continue to look closely at Delta Airlines and it’s employees for examples of what selfless service looks like!