For Immediate Release

September 7, 2005

 

Contact:

USO-Operation USO Care Package                                     American Airlines

Beth Bradner                                                                            A.J. Dennis

703-696-3261                                                                         Corporate Communications

BradnerB@fmmc.army.mil                                                        Fort Worth, Texas                               

                                                                                                817-967-1577   

corp.comm@aa.com

 

 

American Airlines Provides $500,000 to the USO

Frequent Flyers Send Care Packages to Deployed Troops

 

Fort Worth, TX and Washington, DC-   American Airlines AAdvantage® members rally to send deployed service members care packages and reminders of home through the United Service Organizations (USO) Operation Care Package.

 

Since December 2003, AAdvantage members have donated over $500,000 to Operation USO Care Package, sending over 20,000 care packages to America’s men and women in uniform deployed overseas.  Approved and endorsed by the Department of Defense, these care packages are filled with items requested by the troops, including a 100 minute pre-paid calling card, toiletries, sunscreen, mini-fans and other items to help keep cool in the desert heat.  In addition, each care package includes a personal message of thanks and support from an AAdvantage member.

 

“The generosity AAdvantage members have shown to deployed members of the U.S. Armed Forces is truly remarkable,” said Jeff Zidell, Vice-President American Airlines AAdvantage Marketing. “The care packages and personal messages of support have touched the lives of thousands of deployed men and women, letting them know we appreciate their service and sacrifice.”

 

The USO will continue to provide AAdvantage members the opportunity to thank the troops for their heroic efforts through 2005 at www.usocarepackage-aa.org.  With a $25 donation, AAdvantage members can send a USO care package to a deployed service member and include a personal note of thanks.  As a special thank you, AAdvantage members will earn 125 miles for every care package sponsored.

 

“American Airlines has been a committed supporter of the care package program,” said Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro President and Worldwide Administrator for Operation USO Care Package. “Operation USO Care Package is possible due to the support of corporations like American Airlines, their employees and their AAdvantage members.”

 

 

About USO

The USO is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit charitable corporation and is not a part of the United States Government. The mission of the USO is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to uniformed military personnel. The USO currently operates 124 centers around the world, including five mobile canteens, with 70 located in the continental United States, three in the Caribbean and 46 overseas.

 

About AAdvantage MarketingSM

AAdvantage Marketing programs are mileage-based promotions and marketing tools utilized by a diverse range of brands.  These businesses represent categories including credit cards, financial services, telecommunications, retail, packaged good, non-profit organizations and of course travel.  To learn more about AAdvantage Marketing programs, please visit www.AAdvantage.com. To order miles or find out more information, visit www.orderAAmiles.com