It is with interest that I’ve read the comments on Kenmore Air and its value to the community. I would like to share my experience with them, on late Saturday evening, Feb. 28.

After a long day of flying from Florida to Oak Harbor, I was scheduled to take the last Kenmore flight from Boeing Field to Oak Harbor. I took a taxi from SeaTac to Boeing Field, finding the terminal open but strangely dark, with nary a soul around. I checked the reservation printout provided by the agency that made my reservations, and yes, there was supposed to be a 9 p.m. flight and I had a reservation on it. I decided to quit worrying since apparently I was simply too early for check in. Suddenly there was an exclamation, “There’s someone here.” Which was also my response. As it turned out this someone was Capt. Pete Brady, chief pilot of Kenmore Air. He informed me that the 9 p.m. flight did not start until March 1. He graciously asked if I minded taking the Whidbey SeaTac shuttle and called them to make the arrangements for me, volunteering to take me back to SeaTac to catch it. In doing so, he discovered it would not leave until after 11, arriving in Oak Harbor around 1:30 a.m. At that point, he then volunteered to drive me to the Mukilteo ferry, which he did and where I was met by my husband.

When I think of this episode, this wonderful example of customer service above and beyond, it makes me especially grateful that we have this airline serving our community. It was not Kenmore’s error yet they solved the problem. Not only do they provide scenic, quick, pleasant flights between Oak Harbor and Seattle, they provide outstanding customer service. I was also impressed by the willingness to collaborate with our other shuttle service, demonstrating the kind of cohesion we island dwellers need and appreciate. I hope that our community continues to support this “skies the limit” shuttle service. Thank you Pete Grady. Thank you Kenmore Air.

Barbara Strother

Oak Harbor