DENVER -
In tough economic times, the big boss normally brings bad news. Especially in the airline industry where it seems everyday there is more talk of just how tough things are. That set the stage for Wednesday's visit.
Southwest veteran Chris Williams reported to work like he does everyday as a provisioner. In one shift he'll restock the sodas, napkins and even clean the restrooms on 12 planes, 24 planes when he pulls a double.
"I try to pull 3 or 4 doubles a week," he explains.
Like most Americans, he's having a harder time making ends meet. What makes Chris different than most is the infectious smile that seems to never leave his face.
"I love it, bro" he said. Even his supervisor knows there is something different about Chris. "We require a certain level of work out of everyone, but that's not Chris's way," explained Tim Jeter.
Though Chris didn't know it was his special day.
The big boss from Dallas came not to deliver bad news, but a special present. FOX 31 News was there as Jim Mortus gathered most of the folks who work in the small cramped warehouse below DIA's Terminal C and played a game of "Let's Make a Deal" with Chris.
He could have two free tickets or what was in the case. The case held $10,000.
Chris wisely chose the case but it didn't really mater what he chose, the ten grand was his. After hitting all of its performance goals for the year, Southwest gave away 21 top prizes in raffle.
Employees won entries into the program called "Kicktail" for going above and beyond. Understandably Chris had the right number of entries.
"In a time like today, it's something special," explained Mortus, "if we care for the employees. They are going to care for our customers."
And Chris certainly takes care of the customers, as he closed the rear door to one of countless airplanes, he gave our cameras the usual line with that smile still on his face, "it's a wrap, bro."
Now he plans to pay off bills with the ten grand that Southwest will pick up the taxes for. But after many congratulations by his fellow employees "it couldn't happen to a more deserving person", said Jeter.
He admits he might buy a big screen TV.
Southwest veteran Chris Williams reported to work like he does everyday as a provisioner. In one shift he'll restock the sodas, napkins and even clean the restrooms on 12 planes, 24 planes when he pulls a double.
"I try to pull 3 or 4 doubles a week," he explains.
Like most Americans, he's having a harder time making ends meet. What makes Chris different than most is the infectious smile that seems to never leave his face.
"I love it, bro" he said. Even his supervisor knows there is something different about Chris. "We require a certain level of work out of everyone, but that's not Chris's way," explained Tim Jeter.
Though Chris didn't know it was his special day.
The big boss from Dallas came not to deliver bad news, but a special present. FOX 31 News was there as Jim Mortus gathered most of the folks who work in the small cramped warehouse below DIA's Terminal C and played a game of "Let's Make a Deal" with Chris.
He could have two free tickets or what was in the case. The case held $10,000.
Chris wisely chose the case but it didn't really mater what he chose, the ten grand was his. After hitting all of its performance goals for the year, Southwest gave away 21 top prizes in raffle.
Employees won entries into the program called "Kicktail" for going above and beyond. Understandably Chris had the right number of entries.
"In a time like today, it's something special," explained Mortus, "if we care for the employees. They are going to care for our customers."
And Chris certainly takes care of the customers, as he closed the rear door to one of countless airplanes, he gave our cameras the usual line with that smile still on his face, "it's a wrap, bro."
Now he plans to pay off bills with the ten grand that Southwest will pick up the taxes for. But after many congratulations by his fellow employees "it couldn't happen to a more deserving person", said Jeter.
He admits he might buy a big screen TV.
