I have been in the airline business over 20 years. It gets in the blood and stays with you. There is nothing like the smell of JetA in the morning (a knockoff from a familiar movie line).

For many years, the industry was fun. There are few jobs where you can be physically challenged and accomplish tangible goals at once. There is a great deal of pride in watching a family reunion, honeymoon departure, students off to college or being able to turn 450+ bags and 300+ in under 30 minutes so that a crew does not go illegal and cancel an flight.

The industry is not for the faint of heart though. Prior to NWA and likely my last aviation position. I have been a flight attendant, pilot, ground operations employee and in management. I have experienced three labor actions, two of which caused the loss of my job, and three carriers have merged and faded into memory.

My fathers generation retired from their careers. My generation will be fortunate to benefit from a funded retirement plan. My childrens generation will read about pensions in their history books.

There are always worse scenarios; but, I have limited my discussion solely to employment. I am personally blessed to be alive today where close friends were not so fortunate.