American Airlines to Fly 500th Honor Flight
September 23 2016 - 12:00PM
American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL), in conjunction with the Honor
Flight Network, will bring 180 World War II, Korean and Vietnam War
veterans from Asheville, N.C. to Washington D.C. to spend the day
with their memorials on Saturday, September 24. This historic
flight marks not only the 10th anniversary of American’s
partnership with the Honor Flight Network, but also American’s
500th Honor Flight since the first one arrived at Washington Reagan
National Airport (DCA) in 2006.
“Ten years ago when the Honor Flight Network asked for our help
they were using private planes to take a few veterans at a time to
Washington D.C. to see the memorials built in their honor. In the
time since our partnership began, we have transported thousands of
our nation’s bravest veterans from across the country to see their
memorials,” said David Seymour, senior vice president, Integrated
Operations at American and graduate of the United States Military
Academy at West Point. “This partnership means so much to
American’s employees and we are all proud to serve as their longest
commercial airline partner. Our flight and airport crews dedicate
their time to work these flights and make sure these heroes know
how much they mean to all of us.”
Chicago-based flight attendant Rosalia Villanueva-Whiteman is a
member of the volunteer crew this weekend and is looking forward to
participating in her first Honor Flight. “My son recently committed
to West Point. I’ve always appreciated those who have taken the
time to serve our country, but it’s now taken on a whole new
meaning,” said Rosalia. “I’m honored to spend the day with our
veterans and volunteer my time to such a great cause.”
In addition to the pilots and flight attendants who donate their
time, DCA-based Customer Care Agent Greg Locher serves as the
volunteer organizer for all of DCA's Honor Flights and has been
involved since day one. This week he is pulling out all the stops
to make the veterans’ arrival meaningful: a water cannon salute,
red carpet, honor guard formations, a choir with a 39 piece band,
swing dancers and more.
The veterans will receive a police escort through Washington
D.C. as they visit several memorials. At the Korean War Memorial
and Arlington National Cemetery veterans will participate in wreath
laying ceremonies.
“To have the opportunity to visit ‘our’ specific memorial,
collectively, as we did in combat, is a true and solemn honor,”
said USMC Captain (Ret.) T. Hilliard Staton, Korean War Veteran.
“American Airlines and Blue Ridge Honor Flight are providing us
with a very special gift by making it possible for so many of us to
stand in awe before a monument dedicated to all who served during
this long three year war. We are deeply appreciative.”
For more information about the ways American Airlines supports
military, veterans and their families, please visit
www.AA.com/military.
About American Airlines GroupAmerican Airlines
and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day
to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has
hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami,
New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. American is a
founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose
members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with
14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. Shares of American Airlines
Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. In 2015,
its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on
Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.
Corporate Communications
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