MGM Resorts International has teamed up with American Airlines and the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore (United Service Organizations), to honour seventy wounded, ill or injured American service members.
The US casino giant is to host ‘A Salute to the Troops’ at its Las Vegas-based Mirage Hotel and Casino over Veterans Day weekend, with the five day program now in its eight year.
Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM, explained: “We’re honoured to host these men and women and their loved ones, who have sacrificed so much to preserve our nation’s safety and freedom.
“We look forward to demonstrating our deep respect and gratitude for their service, showing them the very best Las Vegas and MGM Resorts have to offer.
“As the official airline of the USO, American Airlines will fly the honoured service members to Las Vegas with an all-volunteer flight crew, some of which are veterans themselves, aboard a Boeing 737 aircraft.
“Upon arriving in Las Vegas, hundreds of MGM Resorts International employees will gather to welcome the group to The Mirage Resort and Casino, the host property, during a special ‘wall of gratitude,’ welcome procession.”
American Airlines will furnish chartered air travel and other support during the weekend, while MGM and its properties will provide accommodations, meals, entertainment, and other amenities.
David Seymour, senior vice president of integrated operations at American Airlines and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, commented: “American Airlines and its more than 130,000 team members have a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the men and women, and their families, who have served and sacrificed to protect our nation and our freedoms.
“From the pilots and flight attendants who volunteer their time and skills to serve these special heroes, to the airport team members who put together meaningful departure and arrival celebrations, the American team’s commitment to this event is evidence of that.
“We are honoured to play a part in providing more than 70 wounded, ill and injured service members and their guests a well-deserved week of healing, relaxation and fun.”
