[NonValueAdded]

Just heard this mentioned on my local radio station, WMMB-AM.This is a worthy cause that will take only a minute of your time to support.

As I understand it, for security (and other) reasons our troops don't get advanced notice about leave and are therefore forced to pay the highest rates for airfare if they want to travel home. It is sad that those preserving our freedom must choose between seeing their loved ones or busting the family budget.

I don't think we're asking the airlines to go below cost here and this should be small payback for the billions we're pouring in to prop up the industry. Sounds like this could be win-win.

Mrs. Daschle, are you listening?

[NonValueAdded]

Only about 9200 signatures so far ... I know we can do far better than this. And a curse on anyone who signs the petition with a false (or worse) name - I hope they have your IP address!

[Zavien Doombringer]

Did you know MIlitary members can fly for free on any Military Transport Aircraft flying in the United States. It cost $10 to fly over a body of water, plus $2.50 for a box lunch (we called Bag Nasties). If a Service member has an emergency, he/she may go to the head of the standby list to get out quicker! Plus, there already is a Military discount, it is called the SATO Office located on every military installation.

[garyb]

I dunno what to think about this. Airlines are bleeding cash and this would force them to accept passengers, albiet Military at substantial discounts. Why should we ask the airlines to subsidize military personnel travel? This is a "taking" is it not?

Instead perhaps we should offer a travel allowance or voucher for Military personnel.

IIRC, Military Standby was standby and did not gurantee a seat. If one a seat became available, they could be booked into it, but otherwise the person would get to stay at the Airport.

[Zavien Doombringer]

Did you know that the men and women actively serving our Country in the military are paying for their own flights home during leave, and – in many instances – are paying higher fares than you?

Not to be sarcastic, but leave travel is at the expence of the service member. Discount rates are available, and higher fares are given to everyone for last minute bookings. Still a military discount is given. Members are encouraged to go to SATO (Scheduled Airline Ticket Office) to get thier tickets for leave or PCS... If you call the airlines, you don't get those tickets!

[boxerblues]

I'm all for this...we just forked over a grand to get #2 son home before he leaves for Korea. Even using the travel office on base he got hosed on airfare, we found better deals getting it ourselves though Southwest

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Military Airfare Reduction Program Petition - Please sign PING

NonValueAdded Thank You for starting this thread.

[Long Cut]

Thank you VERY much for doing this. The cost of airfare on short notice, both for leave and some family emergencies not covered under the Red Cross sometimes smashes a young serviceman's wallet up good. For example, next year I will be stationed in Maine. My wife and baby will be living in Florida! Thus, I'll be grabbing as many weekend hops home as humanly possible, but I will need to take commercial air at some points, and the cost is brutal.

Any airline willing to give us a break like this would, trust me, recieve our UNDYING loyalty and gratitude. It would be great for them in the long-term!

Hell, we'll even agree to wear our uniforms to make everything look nice, and we'll take care of any terrorists who pop up just for fun.

Believe me, the airline that eventually does this will have military vets using it forever, and their kids, too.

We ALWAYS remember who supports us.

Thanks again for the efforts. It's appreciated.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

May 9 Spouse Appreciation Day - 2003

Thank You to all the military wives and husbands reading this.

Proclamation 5184 -- Military Spouse Day, 1984

April 17, 1984 By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

Since the early days of the Continental Army, the wives of our servicemen have made unselfish contributions to the spirit and well-being of their fighting men and the general welfare of their communities.

Throughout the years, as the numbers of our married men and women in uniform have grown and as their military missions have become more complex and dispersed, their spouses have made countless personal sacrifices to support the Armed Forces. In many instances, they subordinated their personal and professional aspirations to the greater benefit of the service family. Responding to the call of duty, they frequently endured long periods of separation or left familiar surroundings and friends to re-establish their homes in distant places. And there they became American ambassadors abroad.

As volunteers, military spouses have provided exemplary service and leadership in educational, community, recreational, religious, social and cultural endeavors. And as parents and homemakers, they preserve the cornerstone of our Nation's strength -- the American family.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 23, 1984, as Military Spouse Day, in recognition of the profound importance of spouse commitment to the readiness and well-being of service members on active duty and in the National Guard and Reserve, and to the security of our Nation. I invite all the Armed Forces, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, the Departments of Defense and Transportation, the Governors of the several States, the chief officials of local governments, and the people of the United States to observe this day in an appropriate manner.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 17th day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth.

Ronald Reagan

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:22 a.m., April 18, 1984]

[lilylangtree]

Doesn't the active duty military have access to any military transports that fly?

[lilylangtree]

Done with 9,264 signatures