From all of us on the ground in Nashville, we know lots of people that have been devastated by the May floods.  During this difficult time, we have all been looking for ways to help. Delta employees in Nashville are stepping up to do their part this Sunday and participating in Music City Keep on Playin’ – A Benefit for Flood Relief.  This is the first national live concert and telethon to support flood relief efforts.

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

If you believe variety is the spice of life, then you have to agree that music is food for the soul. It doesn’t matter what country you’re from or what language you speak, your life in some capacity is full of music. I believe that music is a universal language. The only true, global language.  As a sponsor of  the 52nd  GRAMMY Awards, the pinnacle of music excellence,  we’re bringing The GRAMMYs to you, and for two lucky fans, you to The GRAMMYs.

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.

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