Southwest to provide $1.2 million in free travel for World War II US veterans

DALLAS, Texas – Southwest Airlines announced today that it will provide travel to help make the dreams of more than 3,000 of America’s Veterans come true. As the official commercial airline of the Honor Flight Network since 2009, Southwest has renewed its commitment and will provide $1.2 million in free travel through 2015 to help Veterans visit the memorials dedicated to their brave service to our country.

“Southwest Airlines is proud to continue our support of Honor Flight and to have the opportunity to give back to the people who have fought to protect our Freedoms,” said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Communication and Strategic Outreach. “Every Veteran should have the opportunity to visit the memorial that was created for him or her, and we are honored to be a part of fulfilling this dream.”

Southwest Airlines has a long history of supporting the men and women who fight for our nation’s Freedoms. Over the past four years, Southwest has donated more than $2 million to Honor Flight to connect more than 4,500 WWII Veterans with their memorial in Washington D.C. To read a blog post about Veterans who have visited their memorial, visit the NUTS About Southwest blog.

“Because of Southwest Airlines’ generosity and renewed sponsorship, thousands of World War II and terminally ill Veterans will continue to have the opportunity to see the memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifice in Washington, D.C.,” said Chairman of the Honor Flight Network, James McLaughlin. “The most often heard comment we hear from the Veterans at the end of their Honor Flight experience is that this has been one of the greatest days of their lives. That is all the reward we need.”