Continental Airlines Joins "Operation Hero Miles"
Washington, DC - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) is proud to announce that Continental Airlines has joined "Operation Hero Miles", the innovative program that helps troops on emergency leave or Rest and Relaxation (R & R) from Iraq and Afghanistan fly home for free. Continental has donated 5 million miles to kick off its participation in the program.
Ten airlines, 91% of the domestic airline market, are helping our men and women in uniform who are risking their lives for our country. 213 million miles have been donated by travelers and the airlines. This means that 8,500 free tickets are available for the troops.
"This is truly the season of giving. Continental Airlines is giving American troops and their families a wonderful gift this holiday season, the gift of quality time with loved ones without worrying about how much it will cost. Continental Airlines and all of the other airlines participating in this great program should be commended for being great corporate citizens," said Congressman Ruppersberger.
The soldiers who have been granted two weeks of R & R are flown to Baltimore Washington International Airport, Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta, GA, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas by the Department of Defense and then required to pay their own way to make connecting flights to their hometowns all across the country. Congressman Ruppersberger is concerned about the financial burden placed on military families. That's why he created "Operation Hero Miles".
AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Midwest Airlines, Pan Am and Boston-Maine Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways are also participating in "Operation Hero Miles". Information can be found on the web site, www.heromiles.org. This site is a clearinghouse for soldiers, their families, and travelers filled with information about how to donate frequent flyer miles, how soldiers can receive complimentary tickets, and other ways to help our troops serving our country in Iraq.