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-   -   Thank You for 25 Years (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/2209607-thank-you-25-years.html)

TravelManKen Dec 22, 2025 4:37 pm

Thank You for 25 Years
 
Dear Flyertalk family,
25 years ago I found you, my other family. It's not possible to articulate how all of you have made my life better over these past 25 years. You've helped me through times of joy and sorrow, showed me grace when I've made mistakes, and of course, radically altered the way I travel. We spent time together at birthday parties, inside airport lounges around the world, comforted one another at funerals, celebrated weddings and births, and attending sporting events worldwide. While I haven't spent much time on the boards these past several years, this community will forever be part of who I am.

Love you all, Ken... TMK.

Eastbay1K Dec 23, 2025 9:34 am

And one day this century, maybe we'll all be at a "we finally lit the season finals beam" together celebration!

SanDiego1K Dec 23, 2025 10:52 am

I have the great good fortune to have Ken live locally these days. I saw him years ago at our local grocery store, and recently shared a meal. I won't spill the tea on his career but it is significant. The only reason I know Ken is because of FlyerTalk which has broadened my world and my friendships. Ken, thanks for being here, thanks for letting us see you thru those Columbia days, then your time in China, and now commuting north for your career. It is my pleasure to know you.

SPN Lifer Dec 23, 2025 1:26 pm

It has been a pleasure interacting with you.

Redhead Dec 24, 2025 7:19 am

We joined around the same time. I 100% agree that FT has made my life richer in so many ways (and not just mileage balances!). I hope we can meet in person one day like I've met so many other FTers.

dhammer53 Dec 26, 2025 10:14 am

September 2000. It was the summer from hell that brought me to Flyertalk. Thank you United. :rolleyes:

I don't recall the last time we broke bread TMK, but it had to be 15 years ago.

dh

TravelManKen Dec 28, 2025 2:21 pm

It’s definitely been a long minute since we’ve seen one another. I also remember summer 2000 on United, as it was my first year as a 1K — and the year I turned 30😳

Originally Posted by dhammer53 (Post 37500960)
September 2000. It was the summer from hell that brought me to Flyertalk. Thank you United. :rolleyes:

I don't recall the last time we broke bread TMK, but it had to be 15 years ago.

dh

Love you too, SanDiego1K

Originally Posted by SanDiego1K (Post 37497179)
I have the great good fortune to have Ken live locally these days. I saw him years ago at our local grocery store, and recently shared a meal. I won't spill the tea on his career but it is significant. The only reason I know Ken is because of FlyerTalk which has broadened my world and my friendships. Ken, thanks for being here, thanks for letting us see you thru those Columbia days, then your time in China, and now commuting north for your career. It is my pleasure to know you.


rajuabju Jan 2, 2026 9:20 pm

25 years is ... Legendary

Eastbay1K Jan 3, 2026 6:33 am


Originally Posted by rajuabju (Post 37513764)
25 years is ... Legendary

Sounds like "spring chicken" to me ;)

squeakr Jan 8, 2026 9:52 pm

TravelManKen inspired me to check
 
And it literally has been 25 years for me as well. Some of you may know I originally came here thanks to dhammer53, who I talked to on the old AOL Travel boards. I have a huge fear of flying and hadn’t flown in some years before then, and he convinced me to come here and check it out.

Little did he know what he would unleash. I can honestly say now I love flying and find it one of the true joys of life.

Thank you all for being here and for being part of my world.

gaobest Jan 9, 2026 1:03 pm

Big kudos for adjusting that fear of flying :-)

goalie Jan 9, 2026 3:10 pm


Originally Posted by squeakr (Post 37526840)
And it literally has been 25 years for me as well. Some of you may know I originally came here thanks to dhammer53, who I talked to on the old AOL Travel boards. I have a huge fear of flying and hadn’t flown in some years before then, and he convinced me to come here and check it out.

Little did he know what he would unleash. I can honestly say now I love flying and find it one of the true joys of life.

Thank you all for being here and for being part of my world.

Happy for you and happy to be a paht of it s :)

dhammer53 Jan 9, 2026 8:53 pm


Originally Posted by squeakr (Post 37526840)
And it literally has been 25 years for me as well. Some of you may know I originally came here thanks to dhammer53, who I talked to on the old AOL Travel boards. I have a huge fear of flying and hadn’t flown in some years before then, and he convinced me to come here and check it out.

Little did he know what he would unleash. I can honestly say now I love flying and find it one of the true joys of life.

Thank you all for being here and for being part of my world.

I remember when you and Bob came to NYC and had an issue. Glad that it worked out. :tu:

I miss the old AOL and Prodigy folks, but I found a home here. I last saw squeakr in San Francisco at a restaurant in North Beach. Sadly, she couldn't stay.

NB. I met my good friend mary2e on Prodigy in the mid/late 1990's. I'm about to start mentioning others, but it would be a long post.

Time to remember our dear friends that are now flying upfront (points up to sky). :(

dh

philemer Jan 22, 2026 11:27 pm

TravelManKen I have a wonderful story that shows just how patient & kind Ken is. Back in mid-2019 we did a trade: my UA miles (he was flying FC to Europe) for his AS miles. I was able to book part of his trip with my miles and he said he'd book AS flts for us when ready. Well, he booked numerous flts for me but we had to keep canceling because of Covid/illness/life, etc.
Fast forward to 2024 & we finally completed our travel with his miles. I'm surprised he never got angry, that I could see anyway, :) I apologized many times and told him if he ever saw another PM or email from me to just delete it. Ken, I owe you big time. Thanks for your kindness and patience.


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