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Commitment to
Military and Veterans:
A Comprehensive Approach
Companies talk about supporting Military members, their families, and Veterans—often resulting in a lot of lip-service, but not always a lot of action.
American Airlines is not one of those companies. American Airlines makes good on their commitment to Veterans, Military, Members, and Families through initiatives and employment practices that can best be characterized as consistent, comprehensive, and compassionate.
I recently spoke with Tim Raynor, Captain and Manager of Veteran and Military Initiatives, and Jim Palmersheim, Captain and Director of Veteran and Military Initiatives, at American Airlines, to learn about American Airlines’ Commitment to the Military and Veteran Community.
Veterans and Military Initiatives
American Airlines’ Veterans and Military Initiative program started in 2002, almost by accident, when Patricia Palmersheim requested a newly renovated Huey Helicopter fly to her school for viewing during a history lesson on the Vietnam War. When Gerard Arpey, Former AA President and CEO, heard about the positive impact the helicopter had on the students and veterans who were part of the event, he called upon Jim Palmersheim to start looking at the opportunity to create a Veterans and Military Initiatives Program. With the consensus of the Texas Air Command Museum, the decision was made to donate the helicopter to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, and in March 2004, the Huey Helicopter 091, was delivered to the Smithsonian Museum with a historic tour around the country as part of the Price of Freedom exhibit. The Veterans Initiative program officially launched in 2006. Tim joined the team four years ago.
By: Jamie Boyle
Not only is American Airlines friendly to Veterans, Guard, and Reservists as an employer, but their Veterans and Military Initiatives program provides sustained support to all members of the military community. This support makes for a busy calendar with programs throughout the year.
October – Skyball, a four day event that includes educational outreach, a career expo for military members and their spouses, a free military concert for 4,000 to 5,000 military-affiliates and volunteers, and a black-tie gala that raises approximately $1.5 million for AirPower, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and other organizations.
November – American Airlines’ Veterans Day Program, during which the company—in conjunction with Walter Reed Medical Center, the USO, and MGM—donates the use of an aircraft and employees donate their time to bring wounded Veterans and a partner to Las Vegas to honor them.