Honoring Veteran's Day 2009 in North Carolina

It is amazing how a simple thought can transpire into a magical week when you combine the imaginations of individuals with a passion to honor our military men and women. The festivities of Veteran’s Day Week 2009 all began with reading an email forwarded to me by Pat Miraglia, HR. The email described how a Delta Flight Attendant offers her customers the opportunity to send warm sentiments to deployed military heroes by bringing journals aboard her flights and asking customers to write in them. What a simple and thoughtful way to send greetings from home.

That email prompted a week long post card drive at RDU. The week began with a kick off ceremony in the American and American Eagle gate area with words from Daniel Mitchell, AA General Manager, and singing of the National Anthem by Janice Fletcher, SERO employee. Customers all throughout the terminal stood still with their hands over their hearts as our National Anthem was sung. Between our employees and customers 1,000 postcards were signed to be sent to our deployed troops.

The SERO celebrated Veteran’s Day with a membership drive and bake sale fundraiser. Six hundred and fifty dollars was raised to support local VMERG events. Employees signed approximately 100 post cards along with journals which will also be sent to deployed troops.

A tribute to the fallen soldiers of Ft Hood was created at a nearby table by Mark Montrose. On the table were name plaques of each fallen soldier accompanied by a single yellow rose. Employees stopped by the table and had a moment of silence to show their respect for our nation’s fallen heroes.

A big “Thank You” goes out to the many work groups including Reservations, Sales, Admiral’s Club, Flight Service, Gate, Ticket Counter, Management, Administrative and both American and American Eagle employees who help make this Veteran’s Day week special. I am honored to work for a great company along with caring co-workers. More photos can be viewed at www.vmerg.myphotoalbum.com.

Susan “Sam” Seelbach
VMERG National President