Thanks for further perpetuating the academy stereotype. But please, go on...

You better shut your dirty prior enlisted mouth when you’re talking to a kernal.

I am definitely not to be trusted. Enlisted folk...small hands. Smell like cabbage.

I hate carnies.

This is an exceptionally interesting topic. Of all the things at SWA I find distasteful, the disrespect toward our military members and veterans is the most vexing. These are genuine American heroes, who’ve sacrificed in untold ways for the security of our nation.



Perhaps, many years ago, there were some military-trained pilots who were exclusive of those among us who come from non-military backgrounds, who cut their teeth flying checks, towing banners, teaching at the local FBO, or in the countless other honorable ways in which hours, experience, and reputations were built. That is surely not the case any more.



Now, I see blatant, sometimes hateful disrespect toward our veterans, as if the quirky and awkward behavior of the [very] few is somehow an indictment of the entire cohort. Let us judge each man and woman on his or her ability and achievements, not on the musings of a few envious misfits from old long since.



Having earnestly endeavored to understand and appreciate both sides of the what-did-you-do-before-this fence, I’ve learned a great deal. Our all-civilian colleagues have delt with poorly maintained equipment, crushing workloads, and untold financial debt. Our military colleagues have mastered aviation as a background task to the impossibly complex and demanding missions they’ve been called on to execute.



Each has value and each has challenges that are beyond the casual understanding of even those among us who are invested in educating themselves on the matter.



I do know this, with only six or so weeks of specific training, regardless of background, we’re all SWA pilots. Each brings his own brand of experience, wisdom, and airmanship. To hell with those who are too dumb to understand and respect it.



To our military members and veterans, a warm and heart-felt thank you for what you’re doing and have done for those who are too uninformed to understand or appreciate it. To our brethren who’ve come up through the all-civilian path, thank you for investing yourself so fully in your craft so as to reach the pinnacle of the career.



It is a pleasure — and a privilege — to work with all of you!

I’ll sling gear for a typical civilian dude all day long vs. trying to avoid all the baggage and duck-measuring that accompanies flying with a fellow 90-day wonder or zoomie. FML

^^^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^^^

Is this satire?

Why don't you support the troops, bro? You no like the freedom?

You are all welcome for my service.