 Gordon Guillory’s “Servant’s Heart” didn’t just begin when he started as a Dallas-based Structures Mechanic at Southwest Airlines almost 11 years ago. He was raised in a home where helping others was instilled early on as a part of everyday life. When his own circumstances changed after a knee injury and a job lay-off from another aviation company, he was led to humbly ask for—and receive—help for his own struggling family. He knew then that he was fully committed to “giving back.” After he joined Southwest, Gordon immediately became aware of the time and efforts the Employees put back into their respective communities and enthusiastically joined in. Gordon’s personal passion for the Tuskegee Airmen was stoked by this, and so began his quest to have their stories included in history books. “If it weren’t for what they accomplished, I might not be working as an Aircraft Mechanic today.” With that drive, Gordon has played a huge role in bringing the Tuskegee Airmen back to into the spotlight they so richly deserve. He has captured pieces of living history by befriending a number of the remaining Tuskegee Airmen, played a major role in the establishment of The Claude R. Platte DFW Tuskegee Airmen Chapter, had a hand in the dedication of a Southwest Airlines aircraft in 2007, and was on the committee of their recent DFW Conference when a street was named for the Tuskegee Airmen at (NASJRB) Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Ft. Worth TX. 2007 was a great year for recognition! The Tuskegee Airmen received a Congressional Gold Medal, and Gordon was an honoree on Southwest’s Share the Spirit Wall, which recognizes a select few individuals for their participation in giving back to the community. He also received the coveted “President’s Award” for all of his efforts to Share the Spirit. Well done for the history books, Gordon!
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