In September, 2003 the Pentagon embarked on the largest R and R program for our soldiers since the Vietnam War. Suddenly up to 500 overseas troops were arriving at 3 designated U.S. airports per day (Baltimore, Dallas and Atlanta). However, from there, they were required to pay for their own fare home… thank you so much for your service. For the average “grunt” this could be an unbearable load. Might be better just to stay on the front lines and take incoming, than to charge up your credit card and go into debt. It amazed me that we put into debt those we are so indebted to.

Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (Maryland) saw the problem and responded. As the founder of Hero Miles, he instituted a program where one could make a difference and donate unused frequent flyer miles to the Dept. of Defense. These “miles” would be given to a soldier who could then return home for free. Based upon a tremendous citizen response (as well as out-cry), our Congress took action. Beginning January 01, 2004, the Pentagon now pays for a soldier’s domestic flights home. Is that the end of the story? Not a chance.

“Emergency Leave” falls under another category. These soldiers are approved to return home to attend to the birth, death, or illness of a family member or any other family emergency. The military does not pay for any domestic travel for the soldier or his/her family once the soldier arrives. Since it is an “Emergency” these soldiers have no idea what time the event will occur and as such, cannot pre-book flights to ensure a lower air-fare. To add insult to injury, they must not only pay their own way home but also pay it at a premium rate.

Re-enter Hero Miles. Based on donated frequent flyer miles, they now fly family members free to their loved one’s bedside. Hero Miles recently coupled with the Fisher House to provide no cost housing for families of the wounded. The best of both worlds.

Currently over 700,000,000 frequent flyer miles have been donated (remember that these miles do not translate into actual miles). If you are sitting on some unused miles do the right thing, and donate them. Furthermore, the next time you see a person in uniform on the street, walk up and say thank you.