From the Office of Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger
Maryland's 2nd District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 24, 2003

Contact Information
Heather Moeder Molino
202-225-3061

"Operation Hero Miles" to Give Free Plane Tickets To Families of Soldiers Injured in Iraq & Afghanistan

www.heromiles.org

Washington, DC - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) is pleased to announce that "Operation Hero Miles" will be giving 680 free plane tickets to the families of troops injured in Iraq and Afghanistan so family members can visit their loved ones at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC, for free. The tickets were donated by Anheuser-Busch Inc., the world's largest beer brewer, and will be distributed through the "Fisher House Foundation," a non-profit organization that opens its homes to military families visiting their injured loved ones at hospitals across the country.

"Sometimes the love and support of family is the best medicine to help an injured troop recover from his or her injuries. We are thrilled to be able to help these soldiers heal with their families at their side during this very important time," said Congressman Ruppersberger.

WHO:

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD)
Fisher House Employees
Injured Soldiers Recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center and Their Families

WHAT:

"Operation Hero Miles" to Give Free Plane Tickets to Families of Injured Soldiers
Press Conference, Tour of the Fisher House, and Interviews with Injured Troops and Their Families

WHEN:

11am, Tuesday, December 30, 2003

WHERE:

Press Conference to be held outside the Walter Reed Gate at Elder Street and Georgia Avenue. The Tour and Additional Interviews Will Follow at the Fisher House on the Walter Reed Medical Center Campus in Washington, DC. The Fisher House is located at the corner of Dahlia and 14th Streets

"Operation Hero Miles", the innovative program created by Congressman Ruppersberger, helps troops on emergency leave or Rest and Relaxation (R & R) from Iraq and Afghanistan fly home for free. Congressman Ruppersberger is pleased to expand this program to help the families of wounded troops.

*** Media outlets wishing to cover this press conference MUST contact Heather Moeder Molino by phone at (202) 225-3061 or (703) 615-5371 or email, Heather.Molino@mail.house.gov, by 12 Noon on Monday, December 29th, 2003. For security reasons, please include the name of the reporter and photographer covering the event as well as the color, make, model, and tag number of the vehicle the crew is driving. ***

***The MEDIA CONTACT ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT will be Steve Jost, Chief of Staff for Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger. His mobile number is (301) 602-9164.***