Goodwill Trip Highlights DFW's Continued Support of U.S. Military; 'Hats for
Heroes' to Be Distributed
DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to
bring a message of gratitude and support to injured service men and women, DFW
International Airport will partner with American Airlines in a goodwill
mission to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany to support the
"Wounded Warriors" of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Airport will distribute
more than 200 "Hats for Heroes" -- DFW's 2004 grassroots and employee campaign
to honor service men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The idea for the trip was originated by Teresa Goforth, a flight attendant
with American Airlines, who is a volunteer of the Wounded Warriors Foundation,
a non-profit organization created to purchase quality-of-life items for
soldiers wounded or injured in Iraq and Afghanistan and evacuated to Landstuhl
Regional Medical Center. Items such as televisions, DVD and CD players, phone
cards, clothing and other supplies have been delivered since the fund was
started in March 2003.
The Landstuhl facility is one of the central processing points for injured
service members engaged in the Iraq war, and is the largest American hospital
outside of the United States.
For DFW, the trip marks the Airport's long-standing efforts to demonstrate
strong support for the men and women fighting overseas. Representatives from
DFW will personally deliver "Hats for Heroes" baseball caps, along with other
items and clothing.
"We are very proud to have this opportunity to personally demonstrate
DFW's commitment and dedication to our brave men and women who are injured
while selflessly serving their country and fighting for freedom," said Jeff
Fegan, CEO of DFW Airport. "We thank American Airlines for sharing this
experience with us and look forward to sharing some Texas hospitality
overseas."
DFW has played a key role in the U.S. military's Rest and Recuperation
(R&R) program for nearly two years, now serving with Atlanta's Jackson-
Hartsfield Airport as the two major facilities for the initiative. The
Airport also opened a brand new USO on Memorial Day. So far in 2004, DFW has
assisted more than 23,000 soldiers and more than 1,500 volunteers have
participated in homecoming activities. DFW has also placed its hats -- dark
blue baseball caps with the DFW logo and inscribed "Hats for Heroes" on the
back -- on military charters departing for the war zone. American Airlines
and other DFW tenants have contributed to the program.
"American Airlines has been a strong supporter of DFW's 'Hats for Heroes'
campaign and we could think of no better place for all of us to distribute
those hats to our wounded heroes in Germany," said Tim Ahern, Vice President
of the DFW Hub for American. "Our airline and DFW make up an airport
community that truly cares about our soldiers and their families and we
appreciate the U.S. military giving us this opportunity to help."
While visiting the Landstuhl hospital, the DFW and American Airlines
delegation will be led by Colonel Rhonda Cornum, M.D., Commander of the
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. A highly decorated officer and author with
numerous scientific honors, Col. Cornum served as a flight surgeon during the
Persian Gulf conflict. During a search and rescue mission, Cornum's Blackhawk
helicopter was shot down, and she was among the survivors that were held
captive until repatriated to friendly forces.
The DFW and American Airlines team will depart DFW for Frankfurt, Germany
on Thursday, September 23, returning on September 26. The delegation will
meet with about 200 troops over the two-day visit.
For more information on the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, and the
Wounded Warriors foundation, please click on the following links:
http://www.landstuhl.healthcare.hqusareur.army.mil/clinics/clinics.htm
http://www.woundedwarriorhospitalfund.org/index.htm
About DFW International Airport
Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW
International Airport is the world's third busiest, offering nearly
2,000 flights per day and serving 57 million passengers a year. Currently,
DFW International Airport provides non-stop service to 136 domestic and
32 international destinations worldwide. For the latest news, real-time
flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many
services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to
http://www.dfwairport.com .
SOURCE DFW International Airport
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Related links:
http://www.dfwairport.com
http://www.woundedwarriorhospitalfund.org/index.htm
http://www.landstuhl.healthcare.hqusareur.army.mil/clinics/clinics.htm
CONTACT:
Ken Capps, Vice President Public Affairs of
DFW International Airport, +1-972-574-8080, or
Kcapps@dfwairport.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: To arrange interviews, call contact.
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