Arlington, Texas— The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation and American Airlines have partnered on a new military initiative that will see San Diego-based servicemen and women flown to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for an all-expense-paid two-day trip.

The Rangers Foundation and American will host 50 sailors, marines and soldiers, and their guests at Globe Life Field on Wednesday, May 18 for the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels series finale, and on Thursday, May 19, for breakfast at Texas Live! and an exclusive tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum in Dallas. 

As coordinated by the USO, servicemen and women visiting Arlington this week include retired and active-duty military members from Wounded Warrior Battalion West, Navy Region Southwest Wounded Warrior, and Armed Services YMCA. Medal of Honor recipient Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Britt Slabinski will also be among those in attendance.

Guests will experience a pre-game tour, on-field batting practice, meet and greets with Chris Woodward and Texas Rangers players, and watch the game from the Lexus Home Plate Club field suites.

“Creating opportunities to celebrate our service members and their families is at the core of what the USO does, and we are proud to once again partner with American Airlines and the Texas Rangers to recognize the sacrifice and commitment of our military,” said Bob Kurkjian, President of USO West. 

American Airlines will charter an aircraft for the three-hour flight from the San Diego International Airport to DFW International Airport and back. 

The flight crew will transport passengers in the new Airbus A321 Flagship Valor aircraft, which pays tribute to Medal of Honor recipients with a unique exterior wrap that depicts major military conflicts and the six characteristics that embody the Medal of Honor and those who have received it.

“American is committed to honoring those whose sacrifices allow us to fly our aircraft freely around the world, and we are honored to donate this flight for a special trip to those who need it most,” said Randy Stillinger, American Airlines Manager of Veterans and Military Initiatives. “It’s with immense pride that we operate this charter on Flagship Valor – a flying tribute to Medal of Honor recipients and a testament to the deep gratitude we have for our military members past and present.”  

Suites for Wednesday’s game were generously donated by Rangers season ticket holders Brent Clum, Frank Feigenbaum, Bob Simpson, AA Best Bail Bonds, Dal– Tile, Primoris Services Corporation, Quinn Hersh Baseball LLC, KPMG, TD Industries, and Trilogy.

American Airlines and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation are partnering on several initiatives this year, including the Faces of Freedom program, which honors military members during Rangers’ home games throughout the season, and culminates in a trip to Washington, D.C. this November. For more information, visit texasrangers.com/facesoffreedom.

ABOUT AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP

To Care for People on Life’s Journey®. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company’s stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

ABOUT THE TEXAS RANGERS BASEBALL FOUNDATION

Since its inception in 1991, the Foundation has invested more than $50 million in our community and is dedicated to improving the lives of children in need. The Foundation provides funding for children, the military, first responders and their families, through educational, health, and athletic programming and partnerships. Signature programs include the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex, presented by Toyota, the 2018 Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence award-winning Richard Greene Scholars, the Charley Pride Fellowship Program and the newly announced 50th Anniversary Legacy Grant Program. Faced with ever-increasing need in our communities, we are providing more financial support than ever to our neighbors in need through the support of partner organizations and emergency relief organizations.