Honor, Salute, Celebrate: American Airlines, USO Thank Military Service Members During Summer Patriotic Holidays

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of the upcoming summer patriotic holidays and in support of all who serve, American Airlines is partnering with the USO (United Service Organizations) to offer customers a special AAdvantage® mileage promotion, which benefits U.S. service members.

Through Independence Day, American Airlines AAdvantage members will earn 15 AAdvantage bonus miles, instead of 10, for each dollar donated through American's Miles In Support of All Who Serve program. A minimum $25 donation is required. This program helps the USO fulfill its mission to lift the spirits of troops and their families through a variety of morale-boosting services and programs, including USO Warrior and Family Care and the Operation Enduring Care campaign, which both offer wounded, ill and injured service members and their families support through their recovery process. To donate and learn more, visit AA.com/JoinUs.

"At American, we recognize that the selfless actions of our military service members – past and present – have shaped our country into the great nation it is today," said Andy Backover, American's Vice President – Communications. "We're proud to honor these heroes year-round, especially on the significant occasions that pay tribute to them. American's partnership with the USO is a small way our generous customers and employees can give back to those who have given so much for us."

As the USO's first official airline partner in the organization's more than 70-year history, American is committed to supporting the mission of the USO. American and its employees will join the USO to recognize Memorial Day, May 28; Flag Day, June 14; and Independence Day, July 4, by keeping three patriotic themes in mind. During this period, customers and employees alike are encouraged to "honor" those who died serving our country, "salute" the United States flag and those who sacrificed to protect it, and "celebrate" the freedoms we are fortunate to enjoy today.

"The widespread spirit of giving among American's employees and customers not only contributes to services and programs for troops and families in the U.S. and abroad, but it also goes a long way toward lifting their spirits," said USO President and CEO Sloan Gibson. "It means so much to our service men and women to hear 'thank you' from the Americans they serve and that's exactly what this partnership is – a show of appreciation."

Customers may also join American Airlines in its support of the USO by purchasing an American Airlines co-branded virtual gift card. When purchasers select the USO gift card option, American will donate $5 to the USO for every $50 of travel purchased. The gift card can be delivered to the recipient via email with a personal message included, if desired. The American Airlines gift card is available in denominations from $50 to $1,500 and can be applied toward the purchase of 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.

The USO, in partnership with American Airlines, will also release a special public service announcement (PSA) titled "Real Heroes." The video, featuring "Battleship" Director Peter Berg, spotlights service men and women and will be featured inflight during the month of June on American Airlines flights. The videos may be found on AA.com/JoinUs.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,500 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, 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 and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 9,000 daily flights to 150 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol "AAMRQ" on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group.

About the USO

The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.

The USO is a private, nonprofit organization, not a government agency. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers and donors. In addition to individual donors and corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by President's Circle Partners: American Airlines, AT&T, Clear Channel, Kangaroo Express, Kroger, Lowe's, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Procter & Gamble, and TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Worldwide Strategic Partners: BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, The Coca-Cola Company, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft Corporation. We are also supported through the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381). To join us in this patriotic mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.

Current AMR Corp. news releases can be accessed at http://www.aa.com

SOURCE American Airlines