Having grown up in the United family and very familiar with many of the pilot traditions, I am wearing my half wing proudly and educating some of the new guys that don't "get it" or had a bad taste in their mouth from their regional ALPA experience. I have not yet heard the excuse of the half wing being degrading in any way. Good lord, that is unreal that guys have that fragile of an ego.

I have been very lucky with my EWR experience and being welcomed warmly. If it's not the Captains taking care of me it's the FO/IRO that is stepping up. I have said it before on here and I will say it again, thank you for keeping such a great tradition alive! I am looking forward to paying it forward in just a few months when I go full wing.

Cheers!