On July 4th, American Airlines and its AAdvantage members began donating miles to help U.S. military personnel who have been injured or wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. During the campaign, which runs until September 5, 2005, American will guarantee donation of at least 17,760,000 AAdvantage miles to Operation Hero Miles.

The charity, through its partnership with the Fisher House Foundation, is able to bring family members and close friends to the bedsides of U.S. service people hospitalized due to their service in Iraq or Afghanistan. In addition, wounded U.S. servicemen and women in Iraq and Afghanistan with an approved convalescent leave may be provided round-trip airline travel from the military hospital to their home and return if they are not eligible for government-funded airfare.

"This celebration of our nation's Independence Day honors the brave men and women who continue to work for our freedom and the freedom of people around the world," said American Airlines Executive Vice President Dan Garton. "American is proud to help bring families and loved ones to the bedsides of wounded servicemen and women."

American will match its member donations mile-for-mile until the goal is reached. AAdvantage members can donate miles to Operation Hero Miles by completing the Miles For Heroes AAdvantage Donation Form, which may be found online. The minimum donation per member is 500 miles and miles contributed to Operation Hero Miles cannot be designated for specific personnel.

In addition to this program, American will continue to welcome servicemen and women into its Admirals Clubs at airports that do not have a military club.

To donate or for more information, please visit http://www.AA.com.