Gosh!

Colleen, you took my breath away for a second there...

Thank you for all those years of dedicated service to Southwest, and really I admire both Herb and you for taking what must have surely been quite a difficult decision!

It is kind of difficult to find the right words, but yet again, through your faith in the Southwest family and your willingness and trust in being led by others, you are setting an example for all of us...

... and as you say, it is nor a good bye or farewell!
:o))

Raphael

Colleen,
Thank you for a great blog explanation to help set to rest all of those hearts that are fluttering across the Southwest system, both internally and externally.

When I first saw the news online yesterday, I was both shocked and not at all surprised. Those sorts of announcements, such as the one about you and Herb, always seem to cause us to stop in our tracks for a moment. One minute we're racing down the road and then suddenly we see a speed bump and we hit the brakes. Our forward progress doesn't stop, it just slows down a bit as we go over the bump and then we continue on.

That is why I was not surprised. Following Herb's reassurances to people after his health issues a few years ago, it became very clear that a lot of thought and care had gone into designing a continuity plan that would safeguard the health of Southwest Airlines, as a highly successful business model and as a place oozing with CULTURE.

As much as we as people want to cling to our heroes and leaders (which you both clearly are), we have to be reminded that the greatest gift and legacy a leader can give is not the success of the organization during their constant presence, but its success after they have left it. A great deal of the legacy that both of you, but you in particular, will leave at Southwest is the very special culture that flows through the bloodstreams of 33,000+ Employees, and through them, out to millions more of your Customers.

Of course, a huge part of our confidence that you give us is embodied in so many very talented and skilled leaders who manage all of the day to day activities of Southwest. Naturally, the epitome of that leadership is found in Gary, who we know will continue to demonstrate a Servant Heart, a Warrior Spirit and a Fun-LUVing attitude as he keeps Southwest the best airline in the world!

Best wishes always to you and Herb on a well-deserved "step back",
Kim
External Blog Boy :)

Colleen,

Thanks for all that you do. Southwest continues to thrive because of you and your fellow employees. I always equate the golden rule with Southwest because you guys truly treat others the way you would want to be treated. You guys have done so much for those of us serving in our military and we are forever grateful. You are a true leader in that you put others before yourself. 16hour days seven days a week..... what a labor of love and i thought i had a rough schedule. take care .....

USS BLOG BOY

Colleen and Herb, the stitches that hold this company's heart and soul, our creators of culture, and my pride as an employee. You both deserve a break but I'll still be here with open arms when you all decide to "boomerang."
Much Luv to you both,
Kristen Francis

I have said it a hundred times: If Herb Kelleher is the "soul" of SWA, Colleen is undoubtably the "heart" of this great company.

Glad to hear you will be taking some more well-earned time off while still remaining associated with a group that needs you as much as you need us. Thank YOU for your dedication to the customers and employees of Southwest Airlines.

You truly changed the world.

Ray Stark
PHX Captain

You both will be mentioned as much as missed, I love you both and words cannot say what my heart feels, I hope my actions speak volumes as we all need to become more Herb anc Colleen-like to keep this thing called LUV going and growing. You have made the world a much smaller and better place for anybody who has worked for Southwest or flown on Southwest. Thank you a million times over and over. Peace be with you both.

I hope Herb takes some time to write his memoirs.

I was a wee lad of 23 when I first met both Herb and Colleen. They arrived on a shiny new -300 series and had with them a boat load of politicos and business types from the Houston area. Their mission was to show off just what SWA can do at airports like MDW and HOU if given a chance. I remember vividly meeting Colleen for the first time. We had tables set up at the end of a vacant concourse for social times and Colleen came to my table and introduced herself to me. Little did I know that the meeting was the first of many more. 8 years later I was a member of her own Culture Committee. Love and awe is all I can muster right now to describe the dedication and drive Colleen evokes in her daily work for all of us at Southwest Airlines.

I am 45 years old now and my gut went ill reading Colleen would be stepping back soon. And end of an era--- Yet when I thought it through-- Colleen would say to me- I was the next generation to keep the Culture alive. It will be with honour, love and with a personal loyalty only I will understand- will I move forward and continue our Tradition, our way of life.

Saying thanks seems so.....insignificant when we owe so much to Colleen and Herb. I am grateful I have a personal connection with both Herb and Colleen. My life has been enriched and challanged having been mentored by these folks.

It is healthy to have heroes in one's life. I am lucky I have two. What more can you say ? I love them both so very much.

Darrell J PIerson

To Herb and Coleen

So glad to see you both are not far away. I just want to thank you for taking care of my two sons that work for you. One of them has moved on to a different profession but only after spending fifteen years with you. And the other is still there after fifteen years. With all those years of the children working there, my husband and I have enjoyed trips to see relatives. From a mother of two SWA employees and a person that was accepted into Southwest twice ; I thank you from my heart. And I will be using that privledge again to go to California from Chicago to help my aged parents who are very ill. Thank you, thank you, thank you

Dear Ms. Barrett,

I just read that you will be retiring next year, so I will stop everything I'm doing and write the note I've been meaning to write for over a year now.

You have done a marvelous job. SWA has become the industry standard, and this from someone who a decade ago was uncomfortable with the Southwest approach. SWA has responded to customer needs and comfort, by streamlining the check-in process (which used to require standing in line 3 times for a flight), by keeping flights affordable, by quick turnarounds and convenient connections, by a superb frequent flyer program (which has me foresaking my others and flying everywhere I can on SWA with a SWA credit card and using SW partners).

Your articles in Spirit Magazine reveal a President who cares about customers, employees, and the American need to connect affordably.

And she is a lovely woman in my age bracket demonstrating how top leadership in our country can be female, mature, and excellent.

Thank you for my airline; that's how I've come to feel about SWA, like thousands of other people, I'm sure. I hate to see you go, and wish you the best.

I can't help but be concerned that the personal touch (prompt phone answering by human beings on this continent, excellent empowering website, the freedom for regular folks to fly affordably) might be going with a change of leadership. Please communicate my vote for continuing the style which you've brought to blossom at SWA.

Sincerely,
Marie Davis