Lonewolf and Indiana: From Air Force buddies to Alaska pilots
It’s not every day you meet two pilots who served in the Air Force together in the ’90s. Their friendship began more than 25 years ago while hunkered in a tent, a bond which extends to our flight deck today. Lloyd and David—and to all veterans who fly and maintain our aircraft, and delight guests on board — we salute you!
Airline employees quickly organize a ‘welcome home’ celebration for a hero missing for 78 years—with 24-hour notice
More than seven decades ago, a young military pilot left his hometown of Spokane, Washington for the battlefront in Europe. Last week, his remains arrived home to his final resting place, thanks to Alaska and Horizon Air employees, who made it happen in less than 24 hours.
Alaska Airlines ‘powerful and special’ salute to fallen members of the military, son of Alaska flight attendant
Alaska’s 12th fallen soldier cart, in honor of SPC Hunter Schmidtke, was made and delivered by our maintenance & engineering team. It will remain in our care but also be available for any airline at Kansas City International Airport transporting the remains of a fallen service members.
Alaska Airlines flight attendant honors USS Indianapolis with special tribute to survivors & crew lost at sea
When Alaska Flight Attendant Kim Roller met retired U.S. Navy Capt. John Woolston on a layover in Honolulu, she had no idea the impact he and other USS Indianapolis survivors would have on her life.
Honoring veterans: A message from Horizon Air COO and former Black Hawk pilot
“I am extremely proud to be among those at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air who have served our country.”
Alaska Airlines wins Freedom Award from Department of Defense
Just in time for Independence Day, Alaska Airlines has won the 2016 Freedom Award. The honor was announced today by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter. The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given to employers by the U.S. government for their support of National Guard and Reserve members. Only 15 companies…
Hero Miles: Keeping families together
It was nearly Christmas last year, and U.S. Army airborne paratrooper Justin Isham was facing the prospect of another holiday spent alone in the barracks at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Isham’s wife and family were thousands of miles away in Phoenix while he completed 1.5 years in the Warrior Transition Unit at JBER,…
A welcome home for Vietnam-era veterans
It was a welcome home ceremony 50 years in the making. Alaska Air Group and the USO Northwest officially honored Vietnam-era veterans during a celebration this fall at the Seattle hangar. “On behalf of a grateful nation, we want to officially welcome you home,” said Greg Mays, vice president of maintenance and engineering. The event was…
Honor Flight: Alaska flies veterans from Washington, Oregon and Alaska to memorials in Washington D.C.
Some arrived in wheelchairs. Others were aided by walkers or canes. Some came on the arm of a guardian. But all of the veterans who arrived at Alaska Airlines terminals in Seattle, Portland and Anchorage this fall stood tall. The veterans, men and women who served their country during World War II, the Korean War…