[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 7 (Monday, January 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E41-E42]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HERB KELLEHER, CEO OF SOUTHWEST 
                                AIRLINES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 14, 2019

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, as the representative of the 
30th Congressional District of Texas, I rise today to recognize the 
life and legacy of Mr. Herb Kelleher, CEO of Southwest Airlines.
  Herb Kelleher was one of a kind. He embodied the colorful spirit and 
joyful nature of the airline he cofounded. He exuded this bright 
personality whether he was on television, in a room full of people, or 
speaking to just one individual. Beyond instilling the value of fun in 
his company, he revolutionized air travel by making the low-cost, low-
fare airline accessible for many Americans.
  Born in New Jersey, he studied English and philosophy at Wesleyan 
University and then law at New York University. It was his wife, Joan, 
whom he met on a blind date, who persuaded him to set up a law firm in 
Texas. Southwest Airlines was born not on the back of a cocktail napkin 
as he later liked to boast, but when one of his legal clients, Rollin 
King, owner of a small commuter airline, and his banker, John Parker, 
came to his office. Both men found travelling between the cities of 
Houston, Dallas and San Antonio inconvenient and expensive and thought 
they could do it better. With Herb Kelleher's help, they succeeded.

[[Page E42]]

  Since it's conception as a public company in 1971, Southwest has 
succeeded by just about every measure. In more than 45 years, in an 
industry filled with bankruptcies and mergers, Southwest has never had 
a year where it lost money. Under Mr. Kelleher's leadership, Southwest 
broke through in an industry entrenched with big names to offer a new 
spin on commercial air travel. In addition, the company promoted a 
healthy work environment before the idea became a widely-embraced 
corporate concept.
  To Mr. Kelleher, Southwest Airlines was more than just another 
company; to him, it was a cause. His goal was to keep fares low and fly 
to as many cities as possible. In his words, the focus was to 
``democratize the skies'' by making it as easy, affordable, and 
flexible for everyday Americans to travel. Such a mission may seem 
quaint today, but it was a revolutionary aspiration back when he first 
began.
  Madam Speaker, the life of Herb Kelleher that we celebrate today is a 
testament to the value of great character and honesty. Because of Mr. 
Kelleher, Southwest Airlines made an essential contribution to 
America's quality of life. And most importantly, for Dallas and Texans 
statewide, Mr. Kelleher made an essential and long-lasting economic 
contribution to our region. Today as we reflect on his life, it is safe 
to say that the late Mr. Kelleher made a very real contribution to our 
world, and we are all witnessing the benefit of those contributions 
today.

                          ____________________