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American Insight HEROES: GETTY IMAGES A MERICAN AIRLINES has a long-standing and rich history of supporting military and veteran initiatives. Now in its 13th year, the American Airlines Sky Ball honors and celebrates members and veterans of the United States military and their families. In addition to recognizing servicemen and women, Sky Ball raises money in support of the Airpower Foundation (APF) and other military and veteran-support initiatives. The event has raised more than $4.5 mil- lion in the past four years for military-support organizations and events, including the APF, the Gary Sinise Foundation, United Services Organization (USO), Wounded Warriors Veterans Day Weekend in Las Vegas and Snowball Express, a program serving chil- dren of fallen soldiers. Sky Ball is just one of the many events that serve as a platform for American Airlines to salute the men and women who serve in the United States military. Air Compassion for Veterans (ACV) assists veterans, military members and their families in reaching medical-care and reha- bilitation services. American Airlines uses funds from Fuel Smart, a fuel-conservation program run by employees, to support ACV's efforts. American Air- lines is also proud to provide charter Honor Flights to vet- erans. Honor Flights allow veterans of various wars and conflicts to fly to Washington, D.C., to view the memorials constructed to rec- ognize their service and that of their fellow soldiers. In addition to providing the aircraft, the American Airlines crews also volunteer their time. From providing funding for various entertainment opportunities to supporting children and families of fallen soldiers, our commitment to saluting those who protect us is endless. Saluting Our Heroes Our gratitude for their service cannot be measured. Now That's the Spirit Texas-based vodka for a Texas-based airline The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. In July 2013, Tito's Handmade Vodka joined American as the airline's exclusive vodka onboard all American and American Eagle flights. We're proud to announce that the award-winning, Texas-made spirit has extended its reach within the American family and is now also offered on all US Airways and US Airways Express flights. While Tito's Handmade Vodka is home to the oldest legal distillery in Texas, this Lone Star State spirit has received interna- tional acclaim. It's a recipient of the double gold medal — a unanimous judges' choice — from the World Spirits Competition. Founded in Austin in 1995, Tito's Handmade Vodka is the creation of Bert "Tito" Beveridge, a geologist who got his start in spirits by making infused vodka for his friends as gifts. Since then, he's grown from a team of one to a company of more than 100 employees — and he's making a lot more vodka for quite a few new friends. "I'm really excited to continue this relation- ship and expand it," says Tito. "It's been great." Tito's connection to American and travel began long before he was handcrafting the vodka in your inflight cocktail. His stepmother served as a flight attendant with American for nearly 38 years. An intrepid traveler, Tito would show up at the airport with a backpack and the money from his apartment deposit, ready to see a new part of the world. "Before [I graduated from college], I'd been to Europe four or five times by myself," says Tito. "I'd backpack around and meet people. It completely changed my personality." Now, you can find Tito — or at least his work — on every flight. Share in his passion for smooth vodka whether you're returning from a domestic business trip or going on your own international adventure, backpack in hand. "Cheers" to the journey! Join Us in Supporting Our Heroes American Airlines is proud to provide ways you can contribute to military- and veteran- support initiatives through our partnership with the USO. By giving to Miles in Support of Those Who Serve, you'll earn 10 A Advantage miles for every dollar donated. Planning on purchasing travel? We'll give $5 for every $50 spent when you purchase an American Airlines USO gift card. To learn more about our military- and veteran-support initiatives, please visit aa.com/joinus. For more information on Sky Ball and how you can help, visit Skyballinfo.com. Tito and his pal, Roscoe 1 0 4 N OV E M B E R 2 01 4 A A .CO M/A M E R I C A NWAY