Sussex Elementary Students Help Honor BWI "Adopted" Pilots
Chief Pilot Bert Seither recently welcomed a crowd gathered at Southwest's Baltimore/Washington International gates to kick off the "Ace" Award celebration. The event was a chance to honor BWI Pilots for winning this prestigious award that recognizes the Base with the highest percentage of Pilots participating in the Adopt-A-Pilot program.
On hand to help applaud the Pilots were students from Sussex Elementary, a local Adopt-A-Pilot school, and their teacher LaTonya Belser, who spoke at the event. Also featured as speakers were Tom Bowser, Sussex principal; Captain Don Saunders, BWI Adopt-A-Pilot Ambassador; and Melanie Jones, Southwest Airlines Community Relations Manager and member of the Adopt-A-Pilot Committee.
The students used their artistic talents to create a custom "thank you" for the BWI Pilots, and they were also treated to exciting airport adventures, including a security canine demonstration and a tour of the fire station.
Melanie Jones presented the Pilot Base with an "Ace" Award plaque commemorating the Pilots' significant contribution. And as a special bonus, a random drawing was held for "blue pass" airline tickets, which went to First Officer Martin Tennant.
Our thanks to all Pilots from all our Southwest Pilot Bases who have volunteered in hundreds of classrooms coast to coast this year. We congratulate BWI for earning the 2008 "Ace" distinction and wish you all good luck in taking home the title next year!
AAP Ambassador Don Saunders and Chief Pilot Bert Seither pose with Sussex Elementary Students
Sussex Elementary students tour the Station Fire Dept.
Sussex students get a moment in a 737 cockpit during their airport tour.
