AA Perspective

In America, we appreciate and honor the men and women that have volunteered for our armed forces. They help preserve the freedoms that are the foundation of this country. At American Airlines, the admiration for what all veterans and active duty military have sacrificed is evident in the many initiatives the company has embarked upon.

As an intern, I’ve seen firsthand American’s dedication to military and veteran initiatives. Many of American’s employees are, in fact, veterans or active military service members. More than 63 percent of American’s pilots and approximately 10 percent of all American employees have served this country.

American and American Eagle employees have established a Veteran Military Employee Resource Group (VMERG). The purpose of this group is to promote the roles and contributions made by veteran and active duty military employees and their families. The VMERG also serves as a liaison between AMR Corporation and the military community.

American also hopes to help veterans and active military personnel by offering some great amenities for military service members and veterans. Here are the amenities for active military personnel:

1. Early boarding, including preferred seating and upgrades if available
2. Waived baggage fees
3. Discounts on leisure travel
4. Free flight to award ceremony for Medal of Honor recipients
5. Complimentary Admirals Club admission for qualifying active members of the military

American also provides air transportation for many military and veterans projects and programs.

One such initiative is the Snowball Express, an annual event held for the children and spouses of fallen military heroes. A group of volunteers provide fun and memorable experiences for these families. In 2008, the project sent nearly 1,400 children and spouses of fallen military from all over the United States on an all-expenses-paid vacation to Orange County, Calif., where they enjoyed concerts, activities, and a visit to Disneyland and Universal Studios. Many American Airlines and American Eagle employees also volunteer to staff the trip and assist with various activities.

Volunteering is important to the employees of American Airlines. The company cosponsors an annual fundraiser called Sky Ball to support families of North Texas military personnel and raise funds to benefit the families of deployed reservists and Guardsmen. In 2008, approximately 600 American Airlines and American Eagle employees volunteered their time for this event.

It is refreshing to find that a corporation is willing to do so much for veterans, active military service members, and their families. I am pleased that I was able to intern with a company that shows such a commitment to its country, its employees, and its customers.

Amelia Woods is a 2009 advertising graduate of the University of Oklahoma. She currently works in marketing at ICF International in Dallas, Texas.