Zack Space Donates Frequent Flier Miles To Vets [UPDATED]
In honor of Veterans Day, Zack Space recently donated his frequent flier miles to the “Hero Miles” program. Now he’s urging others to follow his lead.
“So many Americans are giving up so much to help the brave men and women who answered the call to serve. I am calling upon everyone across Southeastern Ohio to join me in saying thank you.”
“I chose to participate in the Hero Miles program because it is my small way of providing some comfort to our injured soldiers and their families during their recovery from the injuries received in the defense of our country. This will help our injured heroes by having their families with them as they start down the road to recovery.”
– Rep. Zack Space
The “Hero Miles” program accepts donations of frequent flier miles from the public and then uses them to buy tickets to unite injured veterans with their families. AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Midwest Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways all participate in the program.
Space’s donation consisted of 29,000 miles.
Update - 11:13 AM 11/9/2007
Zack Space has also written a column about the importance of remembering and taking care of our veterans. You can read it by clicking “Continue Reading”.
Honoring Those Who Served
As we gather to honor American heroes on Veterans Day, I believe it is important for us all to make an effort to show our appreciation for those who have served this country. I am the product of a long line of veterans, and I know the sacrifice that service members and their families make to keep this country free.
We should all pause to say “thank you.” I plan to spend the upcoming weekend attending events to honor veterans and personally thank as many of them as possible. I have also donated my airline frequent flier miles to the Hero Miles program, which helps unite injured soldiers with their families anywhere in the world to assist with their recoveries.
For the sake of the men and women who fought for our security and our freedom, I encourage all of you to participate in Veterans Day activities, contribute to a veterans charity, or donate your time. So many Americans are giving up so much to help the brave men and women who answered the call to serve.
I chose to participate in the Hero Miles program because it is my small way of providing some comfort to our injured soldiers and their families during their recovery from the injuries received in the defense of our country. This will help our injured heroes by having their families with them as they start down the road to recovery.
Since 2003, the Hero Miles program has purchased over 12,000 plane tickets for either injured soldiers or their families and close friends. Donated by the general public, these frequent flyer miles have saved bereaved families over $15 million. Those interested in donating miles can read more about the program at the Fisher House website located at http://www.fisherhouse.org/
I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you of the great work Congress has been doing on behalf of veterans.
To assist veterans and their families in transitioning back into civilian life, I introduced a bill, which was passed by Congress this week that will make it easier for our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families to qualify for tax credits to purchase homes. Without the passage of this legislation, these provisions would have expired at the end of this year.
This week, the House passed the conference version of the Military Construction and VA funding package which includes a total of $109.2 billion for veterans’ affairs and military construction programs. This is the largest increase in VA funding in the 77 years the VA has been in existence. I encourage my Senate colleagues to get this to the President as soon as possible to ensure veterans receive the funding they deserve.
Please know that as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am proud to advocate for the needs of veterans, and I am committed to doing everything possible to ensure that our veterans receive the care that they were promised and that they deserve. There is no better time to renew our commitment to honoring their service than on Veterans Day.
Congressman Zack Space
November 9th, 2007 at 10:07 am
Excellent way to share with those that need it.
Most impressive is the lack of “but….” in the statement. Too many politicians would say “this does not mean I support the war” or something equal. Instead, Rep. Space took the high road and supported the troops. Period.
I make it a point of talking to soldiers in airports and asking them questions about their homes, their destinations, etc. and then thanking them for their service. No mention of support/lack of support for the war, they really don’t care. They just need to be thanked, honored and respected.
Hat tip to Rep. Space.
November 10th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
I agree with your point, but the people who accuse others of not supporting the troops (as some other politicians have done) because they don’t support the war are just as bad.
But you’re right, it’s important to support our veterans no matter what our personal beliefs are.