FORT WORTH, Texas - More than 100 Vietnam War-era veterans received a long-overdue heroes' welcome after American Airlines hosted a special Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight during the 73rd annual EAA AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The July 24 flight, held as part of AirVenture's annual tribute to military veterans, was organized in partnership with EAA Venture and Missions of Honor. American Airlines donated the flight and staffed it with an all-volunteer crew.
The veterans traveled aboard American's Flagship Valor, an Airbus A321 specially dedicated to honoring members of the U.S. military, particularly recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Among those on board was retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell, a Medal of Honor recipient recognized for his extraordinary leadership during a four-day siege in the Vietnam War.
After departing Oshkosh, the veterans flew to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where they were welcomed with a ceremonial heroes' arrival before touring several of the nation's most significant military and historical landmarks.
The group visited Arlington National Cemetery, where they witnessed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They also toured the Air Force Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Following their visit to the nation's capital, the veterans returned to Oshkosh, where thousands of AirVenture attendees greeted them in an emotional homecoming celebrating their military service.
"Supporting our military and veteran community is core to who we are at American, and we're so proud to help provide these veterans with a one-of-a-kind honor flight experience that pays tribute to the courage and sacrifices they made to serve our country," said Randy Stillinger, American Airlines' Manager of Military and Veteran Programs.
Stillinger said the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight is one of several initiatives the airline uses throughout the year to recognize veterans and active-duty service members.
American Airlines also encourages customers to support military organizations through its Miles for Heroes program. AAdvantage members can donate as few as 1,000 miles to organizations serving veterans, active-duty service members and their families through the airline's AAdvantage account donation program.
