Ron Akana probably has several hundred million stories he could share with us. Double that amount for the crews who flew with him.

Here's my brief one:

Some years ago, Ron Akana and I had Purser requalification training together in Los Angeles. The instructors who conducted the training performed some kind of goofy, color-coded classroom test on the personality types of all the Pursers. Apparently, the test matches your personality with a corporate-looking, multi-colored, triangle graphic chart thingy posted up on a classroom whiteboard. I scored as far up into the RED quadrant as you can get (I shudder to wonder what THAT meant), while Ron scored as far down into the GREEN quadrant as far you could possibly get. In other words, according to this test, Ron and myself could not have been a more complete opposite set of personality types---at least according to this Ken Blanchard/Mercer Corp whatever personality test of pretty colors and go-team-Go! exercises.

Less than one week later, Ron and I both worked a trip from LAX-SYD together. We had never worked together before. He was Purser and I was AFT-Purser. I couldn't believe what a gentleman he was. Professional in every aspect. It floored me how much in control of the passengers, crew, and overall flow of the trip ID. You see kids, there's an experience factor that comes into play that only 63+ years of training can provide. No shortcuts.

There was a minor incident after boarding where Ron forgot to get on the PA and ask to arm the doors. I tried calling them at 1L but to no avail. So, (and because I scored all the way up in the RED quadrant), I went barreling up the aisle to try and find him. He was standing calmly by 1L reviewing all of the inflight paperwork. I think he was so engrossed planning out the flight, well, that silly phone by the 1L jumpseat would just have to wait. I mentioned to him that he might want to consider "telling the crew to arm the doors", to which he smiled widely, looked at me right in the eye, and said, "All in good time, Christopher."

I was humbled. I was reduced to a bumbling new-hire in 2 ½ seconds flat. I returned to the galley and, sure enough, a few minutes later Ron made the calm arming announcement. But, not until Ron was damn ready to make the calm arming announcement.

Totally in control, totally relaxed, totally in the GREEN, and one of the greatest Flight Attendants you'll ever find on any airline, ever.

Oops, I'm speaking about Ron in the past tense.

Ron, you are entering a new phase of your life. Our best wishes from JSN to you and your new journey! We hope to see you again onboard very soon in the future. But this time, able to sit down and be treated like royalty. You deserve it.