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FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines, in collaboration with EAA Venture and Missions of Honor, hosted more than 100 Vietnam War-era veterans on a special Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight as part of the 73rd annual EAA AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Held annually during the world’s largest aviation celebration and air show, the honor flight serves as a tribute to Vietnam-era veterans and their service to our nation. This year’s flight took place on July 24 as part of AirVenture’s salute to veterans.
The flight, donated by American and operated by an all-volunteer crew, was conducted aboard the airline’s Flagship Valor — an Airbus A321 aircraft that serves as a tribute to those who have served in our nation’s military and in particular, those who have received the prestigious Medal of Honor.
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The Flagship Valor aircraft, an Airbus A321 featuring a special livery honoring Medal of Honor recipients, the nation’s highest award for military valor.
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The crowd welcomes the veterans, who received a proper heroes’ arrival in Oshkosh.
Among the veterans on board was Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell, a Medal of Honor recipient who spent more than two decades in service and received the nation’s highest military honor for his leadership during a four-day siege in the Vietnam War.
The veterans flew from Oshkosh to Washington, D.C., where they received a proper heroes’ arrival at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). During their visit, they toured several of the nation’s military and historical landmarks, including Arlington National Cemetery, where they witnessed the Changing of the Guard, the Air Force Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Upon returning to Oshkosh, the veterans were welcomed home by thousands of air show attendees in a moving celebration honoring their 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 American’s Manager of Military and Veteran Programs Randy Stillinger. “This trip is just one of the many ways we honor these heroes throughout the year — and we’re grateful to help them get the welcome home they deserve from aviation enthusiasts and military supporters across the country.”
Those looking to support veterans, military service members and their families can contribute to American’s Miles for Heroes program. AAdvantage® members can donate miles to help organizations that serve the military community by visiting the “Donate” page within their AAdvantage® account. Members can contribute as few as 1,000 miles.
Not an AAdvantage® member? Joining is easy and free at aa.com/aadvantage.
About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for people on life’s journey every day.
The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.
Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.