Ruppersberger Announces Legislation To Make Operation Hero Miles Permanent Is Signed into Law

Washington, DC - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Maryland) is pleased to announce that the bill that will make "Operation Hero Miles" permanent was signed into law by the President.

The legislation allows the Department of Defense (DOD) to give free, unrestricted, last minute plane tickets to military personnel on leave - to handle an urgent family situation or other unexpected emergency. The "Operation Hero Miles" bill also gives DOD the authority to give free plane tickets to family members of wounded troops traveling to visit their injured loved ones at military hospitals around the world. Congressman Ruppersberger created "Operation Hero Miles" in October, 2003.

"Whether we're at war, like we are right now, or in times of peace, I believe Americans should have a way to help our troops and their families. 'Operation Hero Miles' gives Americans a tangible way to do that now and in the future. Our men and women in uniform in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas around the world are risking their lives for their country. They deserve our support," said Congressman Ruppersberger.

Since the program was started 540 million "hero miles" have been donated. That is enough miles for 22,000 free tickets for the troops. The strong support of "Operation Hero Miles" helped Congressman Ruppersberger persuade Congress to change the military regulation and allocate money to pay for these domestic flights for the troops.

The legislation that made "Operation Hero Miles" permanent was attached to H.R. 4200, the Conference Report on the Department of Defense (DOD) Authorization Bill. It was signed by the President on October 28th, 2004.

Related Bill: HR 4200

See Also: Operation Hero Miles

-end-