September 23, 2011 - American Airlines employees presented a check for $1,036,957 to Air Compassion for Veterans during a "Day of Thanks" celebration in Washington, D.C. The contribution was made possible through "Fuel Smart," American's fuel-conservation program. 

The funds will be used to provide flights for active U.S. military, veterans and their families for medical and rehabilitation needs. Through this initiative, nearly $1.5 million has been raised by American Airlines and its employees for the nonprofit organization since the partnership's inception in 2010. 

To celebrate this contribution and honor injured service members and veterans, American's employees participated in "Day of Thanks" events across the country. 

Additional donation collections for items needed by local military and Veterans Affairs hospitals, including clothing, reading materials and toiletries, will be led by the airline's Veteran Military Employee Resource Group (VMERG) chapters. VMERG members and employees will deliver donated items to the hospitals and pay tribute to the veterans for their service and sacrifice for our country. 

"Our active service members, veterans and their families have sacrificed so much to protect the freedoms we hold dear," said Bob Reding, American's Executive Vice President of Operations. "It is extremely gratifying to see American's employees embrace the initiative to safely conserve fuel, and help significantly support these heroes and their families. This contribution is a testament to our employees' extraordinary efforts for our service members and their families, who are so deserving of our country's deepest thanks." 

In addition, a selected group of employees spent the day in Washington, D.C., where they and other special guests, including service members who have benefitted from the partnership, visited with veterans at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. American's partnership with Air Compassion for Veterans began in 2010, when the airline's Fuel Smart and Veterans Initiatives programs teamed up to provide a way for employees to directly contribute to those who serve our country. 

Through this partnership, a portion of savings from Fuel Smart efforts is contributed to Air Compassion for Veterans, which in turn arranges for wounded warriors, veterans and their families to travel for medical, counseling and rehabilitation needs which have directly resulted from their service.

"Quite often, the men and women who wear the cloth of our nation return home in need of medical attention, but they do not always have the means to travel to facilities to receive the treatment available to them," said Ed Boyer, President/CEO of Air Compassion for Veterans. "Thanks to fuel-conservation efforts by American Airlines employees, about 2,700 missions have been granted through the partnership. We are incredibly grateful for American's support and commitment to the country's military and veterans."