- Megan Brown
- Office of Congressman Ruppersberger
- 1630 Longworth House Office Building
- Washington, D.C. 20515
- 202-225-3061 ph.
- 202-225-3094 fax
-
- For Immediate Release:
- October 24, 2003
- Ruppersberger Announces Alaska Airlines Joins "Operation
Hero Miles"
-
- (Washington, DC) - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger
(D-MD) is pleased to announce that Alaska Airlines has joined "Operation
Hero Miles". The airline has created a program that will allow travelers
to donate their frequent flyer miles, called Mileage Plan Miles, to help
soldiers catch free flights home to spend quality time with family and
friends while on leave in the United States.
-
- "I commend Alaska Airlines' dedication to our men
and women in uniform in Iraq. Delta, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines are
providing a vital service to our country, our troops, and their families.
'Operation Hero Miles' only works when good corporate citizens like these
come together with volunteers who will donate their frequent flyer miles
for this worthy cause. It's an inspiring partnership that is working.
It shows our troops that we value their sacrifice for our
- country", said Congressman Ruppersberger.
- The soldiers who have been granted two weeks of R &
R are flown to Baltimore Washington International Airport by the Department
of Defense and then required to pay their own way to catch connecting flights
to their hometowns all across the country. Congressman Ruppersberger is
greatly concerned about this excessive financial burden placed on the soldiers
trying to visit with family and created "Operation Hero Miles".
- Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines have already joined
"Operation Hero Miles". Information about all three programs
can be found on the web site, <http://www.heromiles.org>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.
- Congressman Ruppersberger is challenging all of the other
airlines that offer service in the United States to follow suit and start
similar programs of their own.
- Alaska Airlines does not offer service through BWI Airport
but does offer service at nearby Washington Dulles and Reagan National
Airport. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation already offers free shuttle
service for soldiers taking flights out of those airports.
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