I am still on cloud 9. We hosted our inaugural DCA flight celebration yesterday and we had a wonderful turnout. I had a fun conversation with Congressman Tim Ryan, about how cool it is to be adding a new route like Washington D.C. He gushed about the golf courses in our area and felt confident that many Northern Virginians will want to come to NEO to play a game of sticks and take in our many attractions.

Congresswoman Betty Sutton recounted a conversation with a colleague from Iowa who has to go through Timbuktu to get to/from DC. She was pretty tickled that we were able to score the nonstop flight. I just love it when our delegation can brag about us in Washington.

Congressman John Boccieri, our newest representative, was recently appointed to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (aviation subcommittee- score!). He will be a great ally in the future too. Did you know he is an Air Force C-130 pilot? How cool is that?

Of course, retired Congressman Ralph Regula helped us celebrate. He has been such a wonderful friend and representative. We will sure miss him.

As a surprise, Abe Lincoln himself compared gaining 2 slots in DCA to the great battles of the Civil War. At times, it felt like that kind of epic battle but victory is ours!

I am savoring every moment; remembering small details of the inaugural flight. It was 3 degrees outside but warm with excitement in the gates. Thanks US Airways!