American Airlines hosts 100 Vietnam War-era veterans for special Honor Flight

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines, in collaboration with EAA Venture and Missions of Honor, hosted more than 100 Vietnam War-era veterans on a special Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight as part of the 73rd annual EAA AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Held annually during the world’s largest aviation celebration and air show, the honor flight serves as a tribute to Vietnam-era veterans and their service to our nation. This year’s flight took place on July 24 as part of AirVenture’s salute to veterans.

The flight, donated by American and operated by an all-volunteer crew, was conducted aboard the airline’s Flagship Valor — an Airbus A321 aircraft that serves as a tribute to those who have served in our nation’s military and in particular, those who have received the prestigious Medal of Honor.

Among the veterans on board was Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell, a Medal of Honor recipient who spent more than two decades in service and received the nation’s highest military honor for his leadership during a four-day siege in the Vietnam War.

The veterans flew from Oshkosh to Washington, D.C., where they received a proper heroes’ arrival at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). During their visit, they toured several of the nation’s military and historical landmarks, including Arlington National Cemetery, where they witnessed the Changing of the Guard, the Air Force Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Upon returning to Oshkosh, the veterans were welcomed home by thousands of air show attendees in a moving celebration honoring their service.

“Supporting our military and veteran community is core to who we are at American, and we’re so proud to help provide these veterans with a one-of-a-kind honor flight experience that pays tribute to the courage and sacrifices they made to serve our country,” said American’s Manager of Military and Veteran Programs Randy Stillinger. “This trip is just one of the many ways we honor these heroes throughout the year — and we’re grateful to help them get the welcome home they deserve from aviation enthusiasts and military supporters across the country.”