Smith Launches Web Page to Boost Frequent Flyer Mile Donations to Troops
Donations Aid Soldiers Traveling Home on R&R or Emergency Leave
Washington, DC - Today, Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) launched a new page on his website to provide information on how Americans can donate their frequent flyer miles to help troops stationed in Iraq fly home on leave. The web page can be accessed from Smith's Senate website at http://gsmith.senate.gov.
"We should be doing everything we can to help those who are putting their lives on the line to win the war against terror," said Smith. "I want to encourage Oregonians to donate their frequent flyer miles to help these courageous men and women get home to spend quality time with their loved ones."
In September 2003, the Pentagon started giving two week leaves to military personnel stationed in Iraq. Troops on R&R or emergency leave are flown by the military to Germany or three airports in the United States: Baltimore/Washington, (BWI); Dallas/Fort Worth, (DFW); or Atlanta, (ATL) at no cost. Until funding becomes available, however, they are responsible for flights to their eventual destinations which are often high-priced, last minute tickets. To ease this burden, some airlines are accepting donations of frequent flyer miles to be used by soldiers on leave. Up to 500 troops per day have been coming home on leave.
"Our troops are facing enough hardships without having to worry about how they will be able to afford to fly home when they are on leave," said Smith. "These airlines are providing the opportunity for soldiers to use their much-deserved time to see family and friends and to ease the numerous burdens resting on America's finest."
