Ruppersberger Receives Freddie Distinguished Achievement Award For "Operation Hero Miles"

Washington, DC - For only the first time in history, the travel industry is presenting the prestigious "Freddie Distinguished Achievement Award" to a member of Congress. Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) is receiving this honor for creating "Operation Hero Miles," the innovative program that allows people to donate their unused frequent flyer miles and troops in Iraq and Afghanistan can use them to fly home for free. It also allows family members of wounded troops to visit their loved ones recovering at military hospitals across the country for free. In just five months, 540 million 'hero miles' have been donated. That is enough miles for 22,600 free tickets for the troops.

"I applaud the airline industry for participating in 'Operation Hero Miles' and supporting our men and women in uniform, but the 'Freddie Distinguished Achievement Award' isn't about either of us. It's about the troops. It's a way for patriotic Americans to help our military personnel risking their lives for their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. The overwhelming response to this program shows our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines that Americans care about them and their families," said Congressman Ruppersberger.

Travel industry executives presented the "Freddie Distinguished Achievement Award" to Steve Jost, Congressman Ruppersberger's Chief of Staff, at a special ceremony on April 29, 1004, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in New York City.

On April 2, 2004, Congressman Ruppersberger introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives today that will make "Operation Hero Miles" permanent. The bill gives the Department of Defense (DOD) the authority and flexibility to give free, unrestricted, last minute plane tickets to servicemen and women on leave - to handle an urgent family situation or other unexpected emergency.

The Freddies were inspired by Sir Freddie Laker, who in 1978 was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to commercial aviation and the British economy. Previous "Freddie Distinguished Achievement Award" winners include Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Senator Bob Graham (D-FL), and Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND).

More information about "Operation Hero Miles" can be found at www.heromiles.org.

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