Americans are using Frequent Flyer Miles to Support Our Injured Service Members and their Families

Stories as told by our Visitors

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V.W. from Vancouver, WA

Donating my miles is just the right thing to do. Those serving deserve our support in whatever way we can provide. Whether it be frequent flier miles, an American flag outside our home, a flag decal on our automobile, a prayer, a care package, or even just our thoughts. Their families deserve those same prayers and thoughts. I was pleased to see that Alaska Air will donate an additional 3000 to go with my 15,000. The online form made it so easy. Thanks to Fox news for the story...to remind me to just do it. And Greta...somehow we've gotta get your 60,000+ miles donated too.

L.S. from Beaverton, OR

I do not support what the US is doing in the Middle East, but I feel it is important to support our troops--they didn't ask to go over there. Many gave up families and jobs to go there, and finances are slim for them to say the least. If my miles will help just one or two make it home for a visit (or God forbid, for an emergency), then I will feel better about it. Hopefully it will be in time for the Holidays--I just wish I'd heard about Operation Hero Miles sooner. I don't fly much anymore and had nearly 12000 frequent flyer miles accumulated so donated them all. It is very sad that our government could allot 87 billion dollars toward this war and not a dime to getting these people any closer to their homes than the three cities mentioned. Now I wish I had travelled more and had more miles to donate. I will now make a point of mentioning Operation Hero Miles to everyone I know who does travel frequently.

A.C. from Spring Hill, TN

I am 9 years old and a Cub Scout in Spring Hill, TN. I donated all my 12,000 frequent flyer miles to the soldiers so they can surprise and see their family at Christmas. I have been trying to help in other ways too. The Cub Scouts and I have donated stuff to make and care packages for the soldiers. I also learned the words to God Bless America, America the Beautiful, and our National Anthem and have been singing them in our town on Flag Day, September 11th, and Veteran's Day Ceremonies. I even got to sing God Bless America at a Nashville Sounds Baseball game.

H.W. and C.W. from Green Valley, AZ

My wife and I were so pleased to learn about this program to help our men and women in military service travel home. Today, using both e-mail forms and letter, we donated ALL of our frequent flyer miles: Delta-15,000, USAirways-17,628,American Airlines-12,725, United-11,500 and Continental-15,362 for a total of 71,490 miles!

As a former Marine in WWII and recalled for Korean "police action" I know how taxing it is to try and get home! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help our brave men and women and we wish everyone God speed for a safe journey home.

S.H. from Saint Louis, MO

My grandfather, mother, father, and both brothers served in the Marine Corps during three wars, WWI, WWII and Vietnam respectively. When I heard about Hero Miles from a friend at dinner on Saturday night, I decided that I would donate every mile in my Delta account to the program. Its only a little more than enough for one round trip ticket (unless Delta is matching) but my way to show my appreciation for the terrific job our armed services personnel are doing and the sacrifice they are making. Thank you for serving.

L.K. from Tucson, AZ

As a supportive Army Mom, I realize the importance of military families being together whenever possible. My choosing to donate my miles is a simple gesture to bring joy to a soldier and his family. It is also a token of appreciation and support to our military soldiers and their families for their selfless acts of courage in supporting our country. God Bless our troops and their families.

L.H. from Roanoke, VA

I am a former U.S. Paratrooper, I know how it is to be away from home during the Holidays. For what these men and women have done for our great country, I say thanks. I and my family are safer today because of their sacrifice. Its a nice way to show that we care. Job well done -- We salute you.

J.F. from Florence, MA

I heard of Operation Hero Miles while listening to radio host Clark Howard. Clark talked in length about the program and gave listeners the web site to log on to if they wanted to donate their miles. As a way to show my respect and honor for these heros, I donated my whole bank of miles totaling 26,361 miles. I view this as a small token compared to what these men and women are giving me and my family.

C.J. from Granada Hills, CA

I was not a supporter of the war, But I do support our troops for the same reason I opposed the war: because I want to make sure they all come home to their families alive and in one piece.

The members of our military sacrifice enough for their country to not have to worry about how they are going to get home. I hope my contribution will help a military family somewhere have a happy holiday.

C.C. from Salt Lake City, UT

I am retired from the U.S. Air Force and wanted to give all that I could to those who have taken my place. I understand what it's like to be away from Family, Friends and Loved one's and wanting to be back by their side. I also know what it was like to be an Airman and UNDERPAID for the FREEDOM for what a lot of people are so unappreciative. To all of my uniformed brothers and sisters - GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU!!

D.L. from Indianapolis, IN

I heard about this program last week and it broke my heart that someone could get so close to their family but then couldn't make it all the way. I was sad because I didn't know how I could help, being strapped for cash in this season for a number of reasons. Then, tonight, I got an email from the Dean for America campaign, of which I'm a supporter, telling about this program and the Any Soldier one.

Suddenly, a light clicked on and I remembered a trip I'd taken a couple years ago and that I'd signed up for frequent flyer miles at the time. I called Northwest and I'm sure my voice was trembling because I didn't know my account number or anything, but they got it sorted out and I was able to donate 20,000 miles between my account and my daughter's! I didn't know when we'd be able to use them again and I'm so glad they were there so they could be used for this. Both of my grandfathers were veterans so I have a great respect for the unselfish act of protecting our country. Thank you and enjoy your visit!

C.B. from Richmond Hill, GA

Thirty years ago, I traded my dependent "daughter" ID card for a dependent "wife". Both father and husband are proud retirees from the Army. So, I know first hand just how important it is to have that R&R time with a loved one that is serving our country. I can't think of a better way to use the miles I've earned than sharing them with a service member. My donated 40,000 miles are just a small token of my gratitude.

T.F. and V.F. from Springfield, IL

This is such a wonderful program! Being able to donate our miles has turned out to be the BEST Christmas present we could have given someone. Please remember that while we are safe, warm and comfortable, with full bellies, and celebrating the holidays with family & friends, our soldiers will not be that fortunate. God Bless America and all of our US Soldiers!

C.K. from Ashburn, VA

I am a LT in the Navy Reserves (Seabees), and have been expecting a call to serve in Iraq since February. While that has not yet come, I have been trying to do whatever I can for my friends who have been serving in Iraq... from care packages to simple e-mails from home. One of my staff who is in the Marine Reserves was in Baghdad when his first child was born - a beautiful baby girl, Abby.

When I heard about the Hero Miles program, I knew immediately what I would do with some of the miles I have been saving for a special trip. What could be more special than to help a soldier return to see his family? I was fortunate to be able to donate enough for one roundtrip ticket, and will continue to share as often as I can. I am thankful for my freedom, and for all that the many amazing folks involved in this operation are sacrificing so that we here at home may continue to enjoy such privileges. Thanks to everyone involved in supporting this wonderful program!

A. from Juneau, AK

I was in church when it was announced miles were needed and where to donate. I've known what it is like to be away from family and not have the resources to do anything about it. I've also known bumps, large and small, along life's journey where I've had to depend on family and strangers help me along the way. I feel that by helping others helps me pay back what they have given me.

W.H. from Whitestone, NY

I am a former Marine (reservist), having been activated for duty in the Persian Gulf in 1990. I wanted to do something for the troops currently there, as others had done for me long ago. The air miles I am donating were actually a prize I won from Papa John's pizza, and I had been trying to think of a way to use them. I heard the program on a news radio spot and checked it out. Then I dug out my info so I could start the ball rolling. I didn't see this advertised anywhere,so I may send out this info to my friends so they can help.

J.H. from Anderson, SC

A couple of weeks ago I tried to donate my Northwest Airline miles to the troops for this program. NWA said "no way". Then, last week I saw the Fox program (Greta), which was shaming them for not participating in your program. Two days later, NWA said they would be glad to accept my donation, and they did. Thanks for your efforts.

R.P. from Apex, NC

Having served in the Army overseas, I know how difficult it can be to be away from friends and family, especially during the holidays. When I heard about the Hero Miles program on NBC's "Today" show this morning, I immediately logged on and donated my account balance, then circulated the information to many of my prior-service coworkers. I'm glad to see that my travel miles might be used for something better than just a seat upgrade! This is a fantastic program, and its great for those of us on the home front to be able to lend a hand to the men and women serving our country.

L.D. from Lakeview Terrace, CA

I was watching MSNBC this morning and they mentioned this website. My son served in the first Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield in 1991. It was a very difficult time but because God was so merciful, he came back home "whole".

Upon arriving back to the states, someone, maybe it was an organization like this one, provided my family with four (4) tickets and we were able to fly to Dallas, TX from California to meet him. He was stationed at Fort Hood in Kileen, TX.

I am and will always be grateful to whomever made that trip possible, and because I had 16,000 miles in an account. I felt compelled to donate them, my way of saying thanks and hope to bring the same happiness and joy to another family.

God Bless our Troops and God Bless America.

D.H. from Camarillo, CA

My Grand Nephew was recently called up for active duty in Iraq. He will leave at the first of the year. I would not like to think he would come home on leave, land in a state far away from us, and not have money for a plane ticket to get here. I am gladly donating my mileage for any service man to use to get home. I wish I could do more.

S.K. from Chandler, AZ

My Dad was a US Army paratrooper in WWII, and I received 5,000 frequent flyer miles attending his funeral in 2002. I am honored to donate these miles to this program.

S.K. from Boise, ID

I just wanted to say that I donated all the miles i had, and I hope that it helps get some of our troops home to see their loved ones, if even for a short time. I'm an Air Force veteran and I know what it means to be able to see your friends and family after being separated from them. I hope they all get a chance to go home for a while, and hopefully they'll all get to come home for good sooner than later. I'm extremely proud of the work they're doing on our behalf and pray for their safety. Happy holidays everyone and let's hope peace catches on.

T.P. from New York, NY

My donating my remaining frequent flyer miles is the least I might do. This senior citizen is most grateful for the sacrifices made by our military personnel to protect us and our way of life. They indeed are our new Great Generation. I pray for them and send emails and packages to the ones of my acquaintance. But, anything I do for them is nothing compared to what they do for me -- for all of us. God Bless each and every one of them.

M.K. from Estes Park, CO

I am the mother of a soldier currently deployed to Tikrit. I recently traveled to Baltimore, and while in Maryland I learned of the Hero Miles Program. Nothing hit me harder than when I was departing BWI on a Friday night. Many soldiers had just come in from Iraq and were trying to get flights out. Any one of them could have been my son. With a lump in my throat I finally boarded my plane and silently wept on my way home to Colorado. I was so happy for these young soldiers and knew how grateful their families were going to be in a few short hours. My deepest thanks to the congressman from Maryland who saw the need of our troops and acted. Bless you. I can only donate my miles, encourage others to do so, and silently pray that my son and all our soldiers can come home. (and not having to pay a fortune to get there in the process.)

Thanks a million to Mr. Ruppersberger for seeing a need and taking action.

K.D. from Bogalusa, LA

My husband is stationed in Afghanistan and has been there for 6 months. He has spent a total of 48 hours with our 6 month old son. He has not seen him since he was one month old. Our son was born one month early and was in the NICU for 1 month. My husband came home for his weekend pass on the same day that our son came home from the hospital. I hope that he will be eligible for a hero miles ticket to come home and let us be a family if only for a few days.

M.P. from APO AE

My husband is an Army Veteran, and now works as a civilian for the DOD. I did not know him at the time, but he served in Operation Desert Storm. We both have so much respect for those that are serving our country, and know how hard it is to be away from loved ones. I donated all of the miles that I had, and I wish that it could be more. I just hope that it helps someone to get home to their loved ones, and that they know just how much we appreciate what they sacrifice for us everyday. Thank you all and God Bless You!

R.C. and D.C. from Colfax, WA

Our son was injured in the early stages of the liberation on March 27, when he was run over by a tank, which crushed his legs and killed his friend Major Nave. To make a long story short he was taken to Germany and on to Bethesda, Maryland. We were financially strapped due to my husband having a heart attack on March 1st. We had sufficient airline miles but because of the three week prior booking restrictions we were not allowed to use them.

With the help of our State Congressman George Nethercutt and our community we were able to fly out almost immediately. We fully support this program that helps bring families together in a very trying and stressful time.

We heard about the program on Fox News with Greta VanSustren and have told all of the military people that we know about the program, as well as anyone we know that can donate miles. In closing our son is learning to walk and although he can't continue to do the job he was doing, he will continue in the Marines, as it is his life and he truly believes in what he was doing in the liberation of the Iraq people. God Bless the military, their families and their sacrifices and anyone who is helping in the cause to bring families back together.

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