December – AA donates the use of 10 aircraft and employees donate their time for the SnowBall Express that flies 2,000 Gold Star Family members to Dallas where a volunteer team rolls out the red carpet, providing families with events and outings as well as a shopping experience supported by Nieman Marcus to provide Christmas gifts to parents.
Special Salute for Vietnam Veterans
The 2008 National Defense
Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. In 2015, American Airlines proudly partnered with DOD to honor and salute Vietnam era veterans as part of the congressionally established program and sponsored the Special Salute for Vietnam Veterans in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. To learn more about the event, visit: http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/special_salute_for_vietnam_veterans/
In addition to their marquis events and regular Honor Flights, American Airlines provides support to Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Chris Kyle Foundation, Carry the Load, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, Green Beret Foundation, Special Operations Command, and the Care Coalition in the form of air support, financial support, and outreach.
Raynor explained, “We are extremely fortunate to work for a company that supports us to do this work and fund these programs. We are able to help military members, Veterans, and families through these initiatives.”
Employing Veterans, National Guard, and Reserve Members
Having military backgrounds, both Tim and Jim understand the positive impact businesses can have on the military community.
A distinguished graduate of Marquette University’s ROTC program who commissioned as an Aviation Intelligence Officer in 1984, Jim Palmersheim separated from active duty and was hired by American Airlines in 1990. Jim was later active in the Reserves for Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Tim Raynor separated from active duty and was hired by American Airlines in 1999 and recently retired from the Reserves. Throughout his tenure at American Airlines, Raynor went TDY, trained, and met his obligations as a reservist. What did American Airlines do? (continued on the next page)
Raynor said,“The company has been incredible to me in terms of asking and delivering on ‘what do you need, when do you need time off?’ They completely and fully comply with USERRA, and they really support the Guard and Reserve… All supervisors and shops are briefed and trained on this support.”