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05/29/2026

Celebrating a century: American honors 100-year-old veterans with VIP experience at Texas Rangers game

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines continued its centennial celebration with a special moment at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, where the airline honored three centenarian veterans before the Texas Rangers game on May 28.

The centenarian veterans were recognized on the field, celebrating both their extraordinary service and American’s milestone anniversary as they threw the ceremonial first pitch. The evening continued with visits from Rangers alumni, time with the team mascot, Captain, and photos with the 2023 championship trophy.

The honored veterans included 100-year-old Allan “Al” Chatwin, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Guam during World War II; 101-year-old Donald G. Graves, a U.S. Marine who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima; and 100-year-old Carlyle Hayes, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served as a signalman during World War II.

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The centenarian veterans throw the ceremonial first pitch.

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The centenarian veterans alongside the 2023 championship trophy.

“As American reflects on 100 years, this moment serves as a powerful reminder that our story is deeply connected to the lives and service of those who shaped the past century and continue to inspire future generations,” said American’s Chief Marketing Officer Caroline Clayton. “Throughout our centennial year, we’ve honored that legacy in meaningful ways — including recognizing veterans at moments like this — reflecting our ongoing commitment to those who serve and the enduring impact they have made.”

Earlier this week, American also hosted families of fallen military heroes at the Texas Rangers game played on Memorial Day.

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.

About the Texas Rangers Baseball Club
The Texas Rangers franchise relocated from Washington, D.C., to Arlington, Texas, for the 1972 season and has been a cornerstone of the region’s sports landscape for more than five decades. Since 1996, the club has reached the postseason nine times, winning seven American League West Division titles and advancing to the World Series in 2010, 2011, and 2023. In 2023, the Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks four-games-to-one in that year’s Fall Classic to capture the first World Series championship in franchise history. Globe Life Field, which opened in 2020, serves as the team’s home ballpark and a state-of-the-art multipurpose venue designed to host major local, regional, and national events. The $1.25 billion facility features a 5.5acre retractable roof that ensures a comfortable experience for guests throughout the year. The Rangers have played a central role in the continued development of the Arlington Entertainment District, partnering with the City of Arlington, The Cordish Companies, and Loews Hotels & Co. to help establish the area as a premier destination for sports, dining, hospitality, and live entertainment. Rangers Baseball Express LLC became the sixth ownership group in club history when it purchased the team on August 12, 2010.

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