Governor Quinn Urges People Across Illinois to Support "Operation Hero Miles" this Holiday Season

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today urged people across Illinois to support Operation Hero Miles, a program that helps injured servicemembers connect with their families. The Governor today donated 4,000 frequent flyer miles to Operation Hero Miles and highlighted the program's positive impact on the lives of military families. Today's Christmas Eve announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to honor, protect and support the men and women who have served our nation.

"Nothing should keep injured servicemembers and their families apart during this very special time of year," Governor Quinn said. "Christmas is a time of gratitude and Operation Hero Miles gives us a great opportunity to thank our military members and their families who have sacrificed so much."

Operation Hero Miles uses donated frequent flyer miles to provide free round-trip airline tickets to military families flying to visit a servicemember receiving medical treatment. It also enables wounded or ill servicemembers with approved leave to fly home at no cost. Supported by nearly every major airline, the program has issued more than 40,000 donated tickets to date, saving servicemembers and their families nearly $63 million. To donate miles, visit FisherHouse.org.

The Governor recently returned from a trip to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where he delivered holiday cards made by Illinois schoolchildren to wounded servicemembers, doctors and staff. This year marked the 10th time that Governor Quinn has visited Illinois troops and their families for Christmas.

For more information on these and other initiatives to help our veterans, please visit OperationHomefront.org.