AOL and "Operation Hero Miles" Team Up to Help Troops

Washington, DC - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) is proud to announce that America Online, Inc., the world's leading interactive services company, is teaming up with "Operation Hero Miles" to help American troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Operation Hero Miles" will be displayed on America Online's "Welcome" page, the screen that appears when AOL subscribers first log on, with a special feature about a decorated American soldier. Information about this innovative program that helps troops fly home for free will be featured from 5pm, Thursday, December 11, 2003, until 5am, Friday, December 12th, 2003.

AOL will also be kicking off a three month public service campaign December 15, 2003, to continue to spread the word about this program created by Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. AOL will run public service messages for the next 90 days describing this program on its website, www.aol.com and at "Keyword: Military". AOL will also provide a link to the "Operation Hero Miles" website, www.heromiles.org. AOL has 24.7 million internet subscribers in the United States. The public service banner ads and messages will be targeted to special AOL communities especially those supporting the troops or with an emphasis on travel.

"Somewhere in America a loved one is going to log on to AOL and that familiar refrain, 'You've Got Mail' will bring home news from Iraq and Afghanistan of a free flight home for the holidays courtesy of Operation Hero Miles," said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. "AOL should be commended for stepping up for our men and women in uniform and for our country."

More than 170 million frequent flyer miles have been donated to this program that helps troops on Rest and Relaxation (R and R) from Iraq or Afghanistan or emergency leave get free flights home. The generosity of thousands of travelers this holiday season means soldiers can get 6,700 free plane tickets allowing them to spend quality time with family and friends without worrying about how much it will cost.

The soldiers who have been granted two weeks of R & R are flown to Baltimore Washington International Airport, Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta, GA, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas by the Department of Defense and then required to pay their own way to make connecting flights to their hometowns all across the country.