Click here to view the embedded video.

In my job as an ACS (Airport Customer Service) Performance Leader in STL, I work with other agents to ensure you move smoothly from curbside to planeside. So why am I writing this blog? Among my team, I’m known as “the Cardinals guy.” And well, I took my vacation to coincide with the World Series, so I could focus all my energies on cheering for the Cards! So you can only imagine how excited I am about seeing all of the action here at Delta.

The Cardinals have, without doubt, the best fans in all of baseball…and for good reason.  It’s easy to support a team that is made up of individuals with not only the highest level of talent but also the highest level of character.  They are smart, focused, and maybe most importantly, they themselves are true fans of the game! As a long time Delta employee, I can see why we’re proud sponsor of their organization, and I’m glad we could help make you part of the CARDINAL NATION.

Matthew Smith

Airport Customer Service, Performance Leader- STL

Other significant days in October for the LGBT community now include Spirit Day on Oct. 20, where people around the country wear purple in support of LGBT youth and Ally Week, a week in which allies against LGBT bullying are acknowledged.

Every year Delta employees proudly march in Pride parades and volunteer at festivals across the globe. Here’s a photo from last year in NYC (one of my favorites)!

This month reminds us here at Delta of all the ways our colleagues have helped us continue to build and expand our strong relationships with the LGBT community around the world. From offering domestic partner benefits to our employees to supporting Pride celebrations, GLAAD Awards, amfAR and more, our roots in the LGBT community run deep.

Just like many of our customers, we’ve been there waving a rainbow flag to proudly show our support throughout the years. We hope to see you this weekend, and look forward to serving you on your next Delta flight very soon. And if you have a vacation or special trip coming up, remember to check out delta.com/gaytravel for some great ideas!

In Pride,

Paul Skrbec

Secretary, Delta Gay-Lesbian Employee Network

Delta Dugout is more than a party, it’s an experience. And we’d love to invite you to join us! That’s why we’re giving away amazing trips and flights right here in social media.

Last week, we kicked off Delta Dugout with a Mets Fantasy Camp giveaway. We loved your responses; some of you really had us laughing out loud! But there could only be one lucky winner. Congrats @TylerLahti for sharing this winning tweet:

We hope you and your friends have a great time showing off your baseball skills at Fantasy Camp.

Delta Dugout Mets Road Trip Giveaway

This week, we’re doing it all over again with a new contest and a new prize! One lucky winner and a guest will get their pick of any Mets away game (subject to availability) and we’ll provide roundtrip tickets, accommodations and tickets to the game!

Entry is simple, fun and easy. You can enter by tweeting a picture of yourself to @Delta showing off your Mets pride, wearing your favorite Mets away jersey. Tweeting a picture is simple and easy using YFrog or TwitPic.

And the hits keep on coming!  Over the next 2 weeks, Delta will be offering our fans and flyers the opportunity to win even more prize packages.  For more information, stay tuned right here on the blog, follow us on Twitter at @Delta, “Like” Delta on Facebook and be sure to RSVP to the Delta Dugout event on Facebook.

Delta Dugout Event Information

Delta Dugout is ultimate 3-day baseball experience, taking place at Madison Square Park in NYC, May 20-22. Come down to meet Mets and Yankees players, test your skills in the batting and pitching cages and watch the games live on a JumboTron. We’ll have tons of giveaways, like tickets to games and travel on Delta. RSVP to Facebook Event page for updates, schedule of events and more giveaways.

Annika S.

NYC Sponsorships

These women, all Delta employees and breast cancer survivors, were preparing for the departure of a special charter flight from Atlanta to Detroit and Minneapolis on Delta’s pink 767-400 airplane. Delta CEO Richard Anderson and other executives joined employees for the pink plane charter flight, which celebrated the group’s resilience and also kicked off Delta’s 6th year of fundraising for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

As employees deplaned in Detroit and Minneapolis, their colleagues greeted them with thunderous applause, cheers, and tears. During the flight, survivors mingled and celebrated their personal triumphs over the disease by sharing their stories on the PA system and in journals that were passed around the airplane. More than anything, the survivors said the memory that will stay with them is the indescribable feeling of connecting with other members of their Delta family who have been through a similar battle.

How can you help? Here are a few ways customers can support Delta’s BCRF efforts during the month of October:

• Pink Lemonade: As in past years, Delta flight attendants will don limited-edition pink dresses and pink uniform accessories, and you can order pink lemonade onboard all flights with 100% of the proceeds going to the BCRF.
• Jelly Beans! New this year is the opportunity to purchase BCRF-branded pink Jelly Belly ‘Sport Beans’ onboard.
• Facebook: Starting Oct. 7, Facebook users can create their own virtual pink lemonade stand on Delta’s Facebook page to share their stories, honor loved ones and donate to the BCRF.
• Text: Donate $5 to the BCRF by texting “DRINKPINK” to 27722 (standard text rates apply).
• iPhone App! All this month users of Delta’s free iPhone app can help fight breast cancer. Each time a user downloads the app or uses it to check in for a flight, Delta will donate 100 miles to the BCRF, up to one million miles.

So what exactly have we done for BCRF here at Delta? In the first five years of the campaign, Delta raised $2.5 million for the BCRF, including $1 million in 2009. To date, Delta’s donations have funded the work of nine research projects dedicated to prevention and finding a cure for breast cancer.

Be sure to check out our video of the day’s events and view more photos on our Facebook page!

How will you help Delta take flight for the fight against breast cancer this year?

Rachel Welford

Specialist, Corporate Communications

I wanted to take this opportunity to share a special moment we had with the team’s iconic manager here at our headquarters in Atlanta yesterday. Whether you’re a Braves fan or pour your heart into another team, all of our Delta customers and true baseball fanatics can’t help but love this story.

Yesterday, when the Braves arrived at Delta for their last regular season charter flight of the season, they got quite a surprise! Hundreds of Delta employees were gathered to thank Bobby for his service and wish him farewell.

The Braves charter aircraft was decorated with a temporary #6 decal – the same uniform number Bobby wears – and local celebrity chef Kevin Rathbun catered the flight. Delta presented Bobby with lifetime Platinum Medallion status and two BusinessElite tickets to any destination that Delta serves – that’s 367 destinations in 65 countries on six continents.

From one Atlanta icon to another, Delta sincerely thanks you, Bobby, for all of those years. You’ve been a joy to watch and your teams have been fun to root for. We’re thrilled to support the 2010 Braves and we’ll be cheering them on in their late season playoff push.

Go Braves!

Michelle G.

Manager, Corporate Sponsorship Marketing

Delta’s Nashville employees will join other volunteers in staffing a phone bank accepting donations during a live three-hour broadcast on Great American Country Television (GACTV).  Organized by GACTV, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau and Gaylord Entertainment the event will include performances from some big names in country music, including Keith Urban, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum and many more.

Delta is so honored to be a part of this very special event.  I am also happy to share that along with taking calls at the telethon, during the live broadcast Delta will announce its support of flood relief through a substantial cash contribution!

You can join us in supporting flood relief efforts by watching Sunday’s telethon on GACTV at 8 p.m. and donating by calling in during the broadcast or you can donate today by visiting GACTV.   All money raised will go to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the organization distributing the donations to middle Tennesseans in need.

Steve Washington

Station Manager – Nashville, Tennessee

A unique and exciting component of the Club will be a branded concierge desk staffed by many of Delta’s finest frontline employees outfitted in Delta’s signature Red Coats. These individuals will partner with a Twins guest service representative during home games throughout the season to answer questions and provide customer service.

As a Minnesota native, I’m proud that our airline has chosen to partner with the home team! We’re excited to bring the distinctive Delta brand and experience to life for baseball fans visiting the new Delta SKY360 Legends Club. To get a sneak preview of the facility prior to the regular season home opener on April 12, check out the video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Bill Lentsch

Delta Senior Vice President – Minnesota Operations

In celebration of music everywhere, Delta is providing our customers the gift of music. Visit www.pandora.com/delta where we’ve provided personal listening stations inspired by The GRAMMYs. While you’re there, enter-to-win a trip to the 52nd GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles, including flying in our new Business Elite service from JFK to LAX and staying with our partner Hilton Hotel with your own Avis car rental. And there are plenty of other prizes. You’ll find all the information in tiny little print at the bottom of this post. And don’t forget to tell your friends! From January 5th- January 22nd, for every tweet using #DeltaGRAMMYs we will donate $1 up to a total of $10,000 to The GRAMMY Foundation.

What’s your favorite artist or album of the year? Post below or tweet us @deltablog. Then follow me @deltablog as I tweet LIVE from The GRAMMYs.

Rachael R,

Manager, Marketing

DELTA “GRAMMY AWARDS” SWEEPSTAKES. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the U.S, 18 or older as of 1/4/2010. Void in Puerto Rico, U.S. territories and possessions, and where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins 12:00:01 AM, U.S. Eastern Time (U.S. ET), on 1/5/2010 and ends 11:59:59 PM, U.S. ET, on 1/22/2010, See official rules by visiting www.pandora.com/delta Sponsor–Delta Air Lines, Atlanta, GA 30354.

Email abbreviated rules:

DELTA “GRAMMY AWARDS” SWEEPSTAKES. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY – A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING A PRIZE. Open to legal residents of the U.S, 18 or older as of 1/4/2010. Void in Puerto Rico, U.S. territories and possessions, and where prohibited. Beginning 12:00:01 AM, U.S. Eastern Time (U.S. ET), on 1/5/2010 and ending 11:59:59 PM, U.S. ET, on 1/22/2010, enter by visiting www.pandora.com/delta and providing your First Name, Last Name, Delta SkyMiles number and e-mail address. Limit one (1) entry per person, SkyMiles number and/or e-mail address per day. Sweepstakes subject to complete Official Rules at www.pandora.com/delta Prizes: Two (2) Grand Prizes – 3 day/2 night trip to 52nd Annual Grammy® Awards in Los Angeles on 1/31/2010. Trip includes air travel, hotel accommodations, rental car, tickets to Grammy® Awards Show and after-party. Trip must be taken 1/30/2010 – 2/1/2010 or prize will be forfeited. Trip components, including rental car, are subject to additional restrictions; see Official Rules for details. (Approximate Retail Value $6,900 each). Actual Grand Prize value depends on various factors, including Winner’s city of residence. Two (2) First Prizes – Delta Gold Medallion Status in SkyMiles program for one (1) year. ARV: $6,000 each. All SkyMiles program rules apply to Medallion prize. Taxes and fees for any Award Travel are the responsibility of the Winner and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked. Please visit delta.com/fees for current fee schedule. Award Travel seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. Five (5) Second Prizes – $50 Delta SkyMall® gift card. Five (5) Third Prizes – GoGo® inflight wireless Internet access pass. (ARV: $49.95 each.) Gift card and access pass prizes subject to terms/conditions of use. No more than 14 prizes will be awarded with a total Approximate Retail Value not to exceed $26,299.75. Odds of winning a prize depend on number of eligible entries received for drawing. Limit one (1) prize per person/SkyMiles number/e-mail address. SkyMiles account necessary (obtain one at no cost at delta.com/skymiles or call 1-800-323-2323). SkyMiles offers void where prohibited by law and other restrictions may apply. SkyMiles offers subject to change without notice. Sponsor–Delta Air Lines, Atlanta, GA 30354.

Jeter edged out Wright in Delta’s 2009 challenge, with a .334 batting average versus Wright at .307.

The Turn 2 Foundation creates and supports signature programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and ‘TURN 2’ healthy lifestyles. The David Wright Foundation provides assistance for the health, emotional and educational development of children in need.

“Delta congratulates both Derek Jeter and David Wright for their superior level of performance and leadership, both on and off the field,” said Gail Grimmett, Delta’s senior vice president-New York. “Even though the baseball season is over – and what a season it was! – Derek’s and David’s work in the community continues, and Delta is proud to support the philanthropic organizations they lead.”

Delta in the last year has solidified its commitment to New York baseball as the official airline of both the Yankees and the Mets and their new stadiums in the Bronx and Queens, respectively. At both stadiums, Delta offers exclusive hospitality venues: Delta Sky360 Suite at Yankee Stadium and Delta Sky360 Club at Citi Field. The venues provide premium and season ticket holders with the same first class experience Delta offers customers in flight, including upscale food, beverage and entertainment. Each venue features culinary offerings and superior views of the game from behind home plate.

Traditional Thai Dancers

Sa was dee krub! ‘Hello’ in Thai. The 2009 international build in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is off to a great start. We have a very strong contingent for this year’s Habitat for Humanity project. Joining me this year are more than 65 employees from various functions, departments, cities and countries along with one very special customer and his guest.

Our first day in Chiang Mai was spent enjoying a true Thai experience at Maesa Elephant Camp about 30 minutes outside of the city. The elephants were amazing. They are highly trained and engaging to the audience. The elephants performed a detailed show for us—including painting portraits, throwing darts, playing socceer and more. The best part of the camp was a 30 minute elephant ride around the site, going up and down hills, crossing streams. My partner on the ride was flight attendant from TAM–Ann. Ann and I had a great time on our 22 year female elephant.

After the elephant camp, we had a police escort to the official Mekong Build Opening ceremony at Royal Flora palace. The Royal Flora palace is breath-taking and immaculate with a lot of flowers, plants, shrubs and art work. The opening ceremony was held for all of the 2,000 plus volunteers from around the world, with the largest representation from the United States.

Our wonderful host kicked off the ceremony with a taste of Thailand in an open area market featuring local appetizers, dessert, and drinks. The food was delicious. My personal favorites were rice fried dough nuts and grilled rice cakes.

Habitat for Humanity Jimmy Carter Build Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony included an up close and personal fireworks show featuring 82 fireworks to honor the King’s 82nd birthday on December 5. The evening’s highlight was a welcome by President Jimmy Carter. President Carter gave a great speech on the importance of service and giving back to others. The President acknowledged Delta Air Lines’ generous support and the volunteers in the audience. Needless to say, we cheered the President for his personal “shout out”.

President Carter and Delta Employees

The evening ended with a wonderful show of local songs and dances. The week definitely started off with a bang. Now, its time for sleep and the great work ahead of us –building six homes in 5 days!

Shawn Cole
Director Finance DGS