American Airlines Becomes Official Airline of USO, Invites Supporters to Contribute Via New Website

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines today announced an expanded relationship with the USO, becoming the first official airline partner in the USO's 69-year history of supporting U.S. military service members.

"At American Airlines, supporting our troops, veterans and their families is a cornerstone commitment we have made to honor those who protect the freedoms we hold so dear," said Roger Frizzell, American's Vice President – Corporate Communications and Advertising. "We are extremely proud to be the official airline of the USO, an organization whose sole mission is to serve those who serve this great nation."

As the USO's official airline, American will provide in-kind support, as well as fundraising assistance, including a new American Airlines Gift Card that launches today. Purchasing an American Airlines Gift Card is a great way to support the USO in its mission of lifting the spirits of troops and their families. When purchasers select the USO gift card option, American will donate $5 to the USO for every $50 of travel purchased.

"American's extensive network and long history of supporting members of the armed forces make them an ideal partner for us," said Kelli Seely, USO's Senior Vice President, Development & Chief Development Officer. "It is an honor to welcome American Airlines as the official airline of the USO."

American, a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, has a strong tradition of supporting key causes. As part of its commitment to make a positive impact in the communities it serves, American has created a new website that encourages customers to join in contributing to causes that are important to them. The new Join Us website, www.AA.com/joinus, invites the public to learn more about the not-for-profit organizations American supports, including military/veterans programs, Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Kids In Need® and community efforts. Customers may contribute to these causes by making cash donations to earn AAdvantage miles, donating AAdvantage miles to benefit Kids In Need, donating unused foreign currency to benefit UNICEF, and pre-purchasing travel, wherein American will donate 10 percent of travel purchased to the USO or Susan G. Komen for the Cure, if designated. The Join Us website, which launched this month, provides a one-stop opportunity to learn about American's community programs and the ways customers can get involved.

The American Airlines Gift Card is available in denominations from $50 to $1,500 and can be applied toward the purchase of travel on any American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection carrier, or any oneworld partner or codeshare flight published fare. Unlike many gift cards, there is no expiration date. When completing the payment information, enter "USO" in the tracking code box. The gift card can be delivered to the recipient via e-mail, with a personal message included, if desired.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

About the USO

The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families.  We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases around the world, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services tailored to meet troop needs. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families, and the families of the fallen. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency; we rely on the generosity of our donors. In addition to individual donors and other corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation and TriWest Healthcare Alliance, as well as other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381). We strive to deliver maximum benefit for troops and their families from every donor dollar. For more information, please visit www.uso.org.

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SOURCE American Airlines