Delta Air Lines Commits to Veterans with Mile-Matching Initiative for Fisher House Foundation and Luke's Wings

Delta Air Lines Commits to Veterans with Mile-Matching Initiative for Fisher House Foundation and Luke's Wings

Atlanta, GA – In a heartfelt tribute to veterans and their families, Delta Air Lines has announced a mile-matching campaign in support of the Fisher House Foundation's Hero Miles program and Luke's Wings, as part of its Veterans Month observance. For the ninth consecutive year, Delta will match SkyMiles donations up to a total of 10 million miles, bolstering the invaluable services these organizations provide to wounded, injured, or ill service members, veterans, and their families during treatment and recovery.

Delta's Dedication to Veterans and Military Families

Delta's SkyWish program, the charitable arm of the SkyMiles Program, is the conduit for this generous initiative. Throughout November, Delta SkyMiles members are encouraged to donate miles to help these organizations provide critical air travel to service members and their families. This initiative coincides with Veterans Day on November 11 and National Veterans and Military Families Month, underscoring Delta's commitment to those who have served.

The Impact of Mile Donations

The Fisher House Foundation's Hero Miles program and Luke's Wings have been pivotal in using donated miles to facilitate family connections during medical treatments. Tad Hutcheson, Delta's Managing Director – Community Engagement, expressed pride in partnering with customers to support veterans and service members, emphasizing the role of these connections in the healing process.

Fisher House Foundation: A Home Away from Home

The Fisher House Foundation has saved military and veteran families over $575 million since its inception by providing free lodging at one of their 96 Fisher Houses across the U.S. and Europe. These homes serve as a comforting residence for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Delta has been a staunch supporter, contributing to the construction of several Fisher Houses, including those at the VA Long Beach in California and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in New York.

Luke's Wings: Connecting Families for Recovery

Since 2008, Luke's Wings has provided complimentary airfare to over 16,000 flights for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans, facilitating family presence during rehabilitation. With a goal of providing an additional 2,000 flights in 2023, Luke's Wings ensures that no service member faces recovery without their loved ones by their side.

Delta's Ongoing Support for Veterans

With over 11% of Delta employees being veterans or active military members, the company's commitment extends beyond mile donations. Delta supports various organizations, including Best Defense Foundation and Folds of Honor Foundation, and maintains airport military lounges like the Freedom Center in Detroit. The Delta Veterans Business Resource Group further exemplifies this commitment by providing development and networking opportunities for employees and families connected to the armed services.

Delta's mile-matching campaign is a powerful example of how corporate initiatives can support the well-being of veterans and their families. By facilitating travel during challenging times, Delta and its SkyMiles members are making a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served. For more information on how to donate miles to these organizations, visit delta.com/veterans.