The Veteran Military and Abilities Resource Group hosted a joint inspiring event at HDQ1 on January 27, 2010. We raised awareness of ERG in general and Retired SFC Dana Bowman, double amputee, gave a heartfelt speech reminding us that our only limitations are what we think we can't do.

See www.vmerg.blogspot.com for details.

We sent out 135 Christmas care packages to our AA family members, Wounded Warriors at Lundstahl Hospital and to Chaplain Neetz at Camp Cropper (see attached pictures). Thanks to AA Blues, we were able to go shopping for the items on our list. There were also several individuals who donated cash and items to help fill the care packages. Other individuals took care packages home to fill. On November 28, Gin, Danny, Bob, Marci, John and I met to start filling the care packages. We filled 50 boxes that day. On December 5, Gin, Danny, Stacey, Gene, Dan, Deborah, Phil, Bob, Dean and I met to finish the boxes. On a very cold Tuesday morning, with the help of the guys in Drafting and the Mail Room, we loaded the sleigh (truck) up with all the care packages. There was only enough room left for the driver (thanks Santa Sam). He drove the sleigh to the Foyil Post Office, where he meet up with Santa Ron. Santa Ron works at Centrilift, who has graciously paid for all the shipping we sent this last year.

American Airlines joined America Supports you Texas in the Dallas Veteran's Day Parade. Vicki Shaller (she has the ARMY hat on) brought a VAN load of veterans and family members. The veterans rode on the float and all had a great time.

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) partnered with American Airlines to host a Helping Our Hometown Heroes Veterans’ resource fair at American Airlines offices at O’Hare Airport last week. More than 150 American Airlines employees participated in the resource fair, which assists Veterans in receiving information from federal, state and local organizations about the benefits they deserve and have earned. Also as an effort to support India Company (A Marine Company on Deployment in Iraq) and Operation Star and Stripes (non profit) 150 Holiday Greeting Cards were signed by our employees to send to the Troops. We also had the opportunity to showcase the ORD VMERG. Chapter members handed out VMERG brochures and Sue Gatz created informational cards specifically about the ORD VMERG and attached US Flag pins (donated by the Flight Department).

Elliott Miller is from Illinois and a very distinguished patriot. He was honorably discharged as a Marine and after 9/11 joined the Navy and became a Navy Seal. During an attack in Iraq, Elliott was severally injured and lost his left leg, has minimal use of his right leg, and no speech after being in a coma. On his road to re-hab, his fellow Seal brothers, doctors and trainers saw great strides and encouraged him with a goal to climb the Willis Tower (Sears Tower) 2000 stairs. Linda Kozma was contacted through Anna Sherony (Founder of Wounded Heroes) and made flight arrangements for the Seals, doctor and Trainers to see Elliott reach his Goal. When the plane arrived on Friday November 13, Elliott was greeted by the Chicago Fire Department, AA employees and our passengers in the lounge area. Elliott Millier was successful in his attempt to reach his goal.

11/14/09 Rennaisance Hotel Washington, DC