Veterans Day is a US federal holiday honoring those who served in its armed forces. This year, it fell on the 11 November.
In recognition of this, and in celebration of the service of some of the nation’s veterans and active-duty service members, American Airlines supported a series of events throughout the month.
“Through great partnerships, and with the resources of an airline with worldwide reach, we’re able to create meaningful experiences and appreciation that reflect the deep gratitude our team has for the military community,” said American Airlines’ manager of military and veterans initiatives, Randy Stillinger.
What did American Airlines do?
Salute to Service with the Loas Angeles Chargers (9 November)
As the presenting sponsor of the L.A. Chargers’ annual Salute to Service NFL game, American Airlines honoured Bill Dillon, a 101-year-old World War II veteran and the last surviving member of the USS Sailfish, on the field. Dillon received two Bronze Stars, and contributed to the development of the first GPS system as well as the launch of the first US space satellite.
Faces of Freedom with the Texas Rangers (13 November)
In partnership with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, American Airlines hosted veterans for a three-day trip to Washington, D.C. This was part of the Rangers’ Faces of Freedom programme presented by American Airlines. Established in 2022, this programme honours past and present members of the US military. This year’s trip included 15 veterans representing four branches of the US military. Recipients of the Purple Heart and Operation Enduring Freedom medals were among them.
Salute to the Troops in Las Vegas (14 November)
In partnership with USO and MGM Resorts International, American Airlines flew 75 service members from Washington, D.C., to Las Vegas. Sightseeing, dinners, shows, and a Mark Collie concert packed the weekend.
Seats for heroes with the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles (23 November)
American Airlines, along with its partners at the Dallas Cowboys, hosted 40 military patients from Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in Texas, for a VIP game day experience. It operated a private charter to transport attendees to Dallas-Fort Worth, where they enjoyed the game in a private suite.
Welcoming home Vietnam Veterans (28 November)
American Airlines supported a journey of remembrance for 10 veterans returning to Saigon, Vietnam. This was in collaboration with Veterans United Home Loans and actor/humanitarian Gary Sinise. The 10-day trip allowed the group to retrace their steps and reflect on their experiences more than 50 years after their service. The group included one of 61 living recipients of the Medal of Honor.
More than 11,000 of American Airlines’ own team members are service members or veterans.
“Through great partnerships, and with the resources of an airline with worldwide reach, we’re able to create meaningful experiences and appreciation that reflect the deep gratitude our team has for the military community.”
