Source: American Airlines

In recognition of Veterans Day and in celebration of the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes, American Airlines supported a series of events throughout the month of November to honor and celebrate those who served.

“Supporting our nation’s heroes is a responsibility that all companies should bear, and it’s a privilege for me as a veteran of the U.S. Army myself,” said Randy Stillinger, American’s Manager of Military and Veterans Initiatives. “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.”

These efforts are part of American’s ongoing commitment to the U.S. Armed Forces community, including military veterans and active-duty service members. Events throughout the month of November included:

Salute to Service with the Los Angeles Chargers (Nov. 9)

As the presenting sponsor of the L.A. Chargers’ annual Salute to Service game, American presented the Military Hero of the Game. Bill Dillon, a 101-year-old World War II veteran and the last surviving member of the USS Sailfish, was honored on field. Dillon is a decorated hero, having received two Bronze Stars and contributed to the development of the first GPS system and the launch of the United States’ first space satellite.

Faces of Freedom with the Texas Rangers (Nov. 13)

In partnership with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, American hosted veterans for a three-day trip to Washington, D.C., as part of the Rangers’ Faces of Freedom program presented by American Airlines. Established in 2022, the Faces of Freedom program seeks to honor past and present members of the U.S. military. This year’s trip included 15 veterans representing four branches of the U.S. military, with recipients of the Purple Heart and Operation Enduring Freedom medals among them.

Salute to the Troops in Las Vegas (Nov. 14)

In partnership with USO and MGM Resorts International, American flew 75 service members from Washington, D.C., to Las Vegas for a weekend filled with sightseeing, dinners, shows and a concert by actor and singer-songwriter Mark Collie, seen in the hit TV show “Landman.”

Seats for Heroes with the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles (Nov. 23)

American, along with its partners at the Dallas Cowboys, hosted 40 military patients from Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, Texas, for a VIP game day experience. American operated a private charter to transport attendees to Dallas-Fort Worth where they were greeted with a heroes’ welcome upon arrival and enjoyed the game in a private suite.

Welcoming Home Vietnam Veterans (Nov. 28)

American supported a journey of remembrance for 10 veterans returning to Saigon, Vietnam, 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, which included one of 61 living recipients of the Medal of Honor, was welcomed home with a celebration at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Throughout the entire year, American is proud to honor active service members and veterans — including more than 11,000 of its own team members.