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When returning from Iraq for a little rest and relaxation, Army Spc. Leon Browder of Grand Blanc Township found himself dropped off stateside but still hundreds of miles from home sweet home.
It is a hardship most soldiers experience as the military undertakes the largest leave program since the Vietnam War, with about 500 soldiers a day flying out for two-week holiday breaks.
A new program called "Operation Hero Miles" is trying to help alleviate the hassle, but needs more public support.
Organized by members of Congress, including Rep. Dale E. Kildee, D-Flint, the program uses donated airline miles from participating airlines to shuttle soldiers home. The Defense Department only picks up the tab to get a soldier to airports in Atlanta, Baltimore or Dallas. The cost for the rest of the trip comes out of their own pockets.
"Not only does he have to include the travel time (in his recent 10-day leave), but he has to spend his own money on it," said Steve Browder, Leon's dad. "With the pay they give them, that's not easy."
Browder, who is returning to Iraq after his leave ended Nov. 30, said the Army wouldn't even pay to get his son to his home base in Louisiana.
"To me, that's ridiculous," he said.
To date, the program has received more than 133 million frequent flier miles, providing for more than 5,350 free plane tickets.
"We should use this opportunity to show our continued support for our brave men and women in uniform," Kildee said. "This program will help troops maximize their time with their family and provide them with a chance to relax and rest in the comfort of their own homes."
Airlines participating in the program include AirTran, American, Delta, Southwest and United. The airlines also have donated hundreds of flights to kick-start the program.
Other airlines still are considering the program, with Northwest the only one to decline so far. That's an issue with Kildee, since he flies Northwest and cannot donate his many miles if the airline won't participate.
The military is using a lottery system to award the free tickets. In its first month, there were enough miles donated for about one in every four soldiers coming home.
The tickets are available for military personnel on emergency leave or for R&R.
*** Marjory Raymer covers politics. She can be reached at (810) 766-6325 or mraymer@flintjournal.com.} |
